Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts & culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Inspired by the lives and experiences of people seeking sanctuary, Refugee Week 2026 invites us to explore the theme of Courage. At a time when some seek to divide and blame, Refugee Week 2026 calls us to come together and share the courage to welcome, to stand for what we believe in, and to celebrate culture and community – to be joyful, imagine new possibilities, dream and connect.

Courage isn’t always loud or bold. It can be found in simple acts: opening your door to a neighbour, trying new food, reading a book, or watching a film that changes your view of the world. It can be speaking up, asking for help, sharing your story – or simply having the courage to be yourself.

10 ways to get involved! Select each link for more:

1. A Day of Welcome – sign up for resources and live events for this special day on Friday 12th June.
2. Schools’ Art Exhibition – a project open to all pupils in Bradford District.
3. Assemblies and workshops (including music) with Furaha Mussanzi (or Schools of Sanctuary).
4. Assembly: Voices from Ukraine: Kathrine Nutting, experienced in welcoming new Ukrainian arrivals in a Bradford school, is offering assemblies featuring a film made with Yuliia, who came to Bradford from Ukraine, pupils will hear her powerful story about war, new beginnings, and Ukrainian culture, brought to life by traditional dress and personal photographs.
5. Film Workshops KS3/4 – Invite Tom Harmer (local film maker) and some of the cast into school/college for a Q&A about the film ‘The Sanctuary Seekers of Bradford’.
6. Staff CPD -In this one hour (can be adapted to 45 minutes) introduction to forced migration training, we look at some of the key issues facing refugees and asylum seekers and what it means to be a School of Sanctuary in Bradford.
7. One hour workshop: KS3/KS4: This workshop, delivered by Bradford Schools of Sanctuary, explores the story of Sirazul Islam who was born in one of the world’s largest refugee camps in Bangladesh. His family arrived in Bradford in 2008 and now consider it their home. (resources by Bradford 2025).
8. One hour workshops: KS1/KS2: Learn about two significant Bradford migration histories through the stories of two families and food! This workshop is delivered by Bradford Schools of Sanctuary (resources by Bradford 2025).
9. The Big Fundraiser! Take on some challenges to fundraise for Bradford Schools and Colleges of Sanctuary.
10. Lesson Resources – find a wide range of curriculum resources for every Key Stage.

Find out what we’ve been up to for Refugee Week in previous years…

Refugee Week 2025: Awards event (video)

Refugee Week 2025: ‘Community as a Superpower’ Art Exhibition (online version)

Refugee Week 2024: Awards event (video)

Refugee Week 2024: Slideshow

Refugee Week 2024: ‘Our Home’ Art Exhibition (online version)

Refugee Week 2023: Review

Refugee Week 2023: ‘Compassion’ Art Exhibition (online version)

Refugee Week 2022: ‘Healing’ Art Exhibition (online version)