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Creativity & Connection: How the Arts are welcoming refugees in Calderdale

Creativity & Connection: How the Arts are welcoming refugees in Calderdale

Across Calderdale, organisations in theatre, literature, film, dance, and visual arts are opening their doors to people seeking sanctuary—creating space for expression, belonging, and healing.

One project at the heart of this creative welcome is The Writer’s Refuge, led by Northern Broadsides in collaboration with St Augustine’s Centre, Arvon Foundation, and Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary. Since launching in 2021, this initiative has provided free writing, poetry, and performance sessions for refugees and people seeking asylum. Guided by local poet Clare Shaw, the group has taken part in residentials and workshops, culminating in a public poetry showcase and the creation of an anthology. The anthology offers a deeply human glimpse into the diverse journeys of those who have been displaced.

“They showed me to trust myself and my words. They inspired me. The chapters behind me may be written in tears, but the pages ahead are waiting for grace.”
— Hina, Writer’s Refuge participant

For over two years, Everybody Arts has supported an artist from El Salvador through its Studio of Sanctuary programme, offering space to create, connect, and exhibit work. Meanwhile, in Hebden Bridge, Friends of Hebden Bridge Picture House has secured re-accreditation as a Cinema of Sanctuary. Their Making Friends project offers free monthly screenings for refugee families, while the Making Friends Kitchen brings people together around shared meals. The cinema recently hosted the Hebden Bridge Short Film Festival—where they cooked the refreshments!

In a beautiful example of adaptation and partnership, Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary has teamed up with EdShift to develop BraveBoxes—a resource originally designed for families experiencing domestic abuse—into a creative and supportive toolkit for children in asylum-seeking families. Each box is filled with practical guidance, stress-relief items, and positive messages to help children feel seen, soothed, and supported.

Curious Motion, a dance and wellbeing organisation rooted in Elland, continues to make movement and music accessible to all. Their joyful Refugee Week Celebration last year brought people together in rhythm and expression, and plans are already underway for another collaborative event, celebrating sanctuary through shared creativity.

And it’s not just organisations making an impact—sometimes, it starts with one person. Matt Radcliffe Photo & Film, an independent creative business, has built strong relationships with people seeking sanctuary, learning how to work with care, humility, and respect. Through his I Am Skilful, I Am Talented project in partnership with CVOS, Matt offered videography training to refugees, helping participants grow in confidence while developing valuable creative and professional skills.

Now, Matt is sharing stories from the community in a new way. His latest short documentary, Home Ground, will premiere at Hebden Bridge Picture House on Saturday 26 April, 4–6pm. Created in partnership with St Augustine’s Centre, the film follows the head coach and players of St Augustine’s FC, exploring the powerful role football plays as people seek asylum and begin to rebuild their lives with dignity in the UK.

The Home Ground screening is part of a special community event celebrating connection and creativity. It also includes:

  • A second short film by Matt, This Valley—a heartwarming look at wellness groups across Calderdale and how they foster belonging and joy.
  • Live music from Hind and the Jafa Cakes
  • A special dance performance by Curious Motion’s Brews and Grooves group
  • A Q&A with the filmmaker and film participants

At the event, Hind and the Jafa Cakes will also be honoured with a Band of Sanctuary Award, recognising their inspiring role in building an inclusive community through music. Hind and the Jafa Cakes formed organically from St Augustine’s Centre, made up of centre users, staff, volunteers, and local musicians—ranging from Iranians and Kurds to Salvadorans, Lebanese, and Jews. The band embodies diversity, mutual respect and a belief in the transformative power of music.

From poetry to painting, kitchens to football pitches, Calderdale’s creative spaces are becoming places of welcome. They are helping people feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger. And that’s the heart of what it means to be a Valley of Sanctuary.

An abridged version of this article was originally published in the Grapevine magazine, April 2025.