FREEDOM: A Participatory Visual Arts Project
was an innovative participatory visual arts project by Surya Chandra, Artistic Director of Unity Arts Collective. It brought together refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, students, and community members to explore the meaning of freedom through creative expression. Through a series of workshops, participants created sculptural human figures representing a wide range of emotions connected to journeys, uncertainty, hope, resilience, and belonging.
Where voices met
The project created space for voices that were often unheard, encouraging dialogue, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human experiences behind migration. It focused on building a shared space where people from different backgrounds could reflect on freedom, express their thoughts, and actively contribute to a collective work of art.
The sculptures created during the workshops formed part of a public exhibition at the University of Kent, fostering connection, reflection, and conversation between communities.
The project was funded by Arts Council England and supported by University of Kent School of Arts.
Visitors were encouraged to:
✋ Participate in creating a sculpture together, adding their own voice to the shared artwork
👀 View artworks created through the workshops
💭 Reflect on the emotions represented in the sculptures
🕊️ Engage with themes of freedom, resilience, and belonging
🌍 Learn about the lived experiences of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants
🎨 Contribute to a creative conversation about belonging, identity, and community
Themes of the First Phase
The first phase of FREEDOM focused on the lived experiences of refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants as they navigate the UK’s asylum system, using art to give form to often invisible challenges. This phase explored:
Time
The experience of indefinite waiting, bureaucratic arbitrariness, and the loss of control over one’s schedule and future
Mental Health
Trauma, self-harm, substance use, and the psychological effects of isolation
Home/separation from families
Emotional and physical distance from loved ones and familiar environments
Social death
The erasure or devaluation of identity and existence within systems of control
Political paralysis
The lack of agency within governmental and asylum processes
Photos from the project and exhibition
Photo credit: Nidal Nasir
What the audience had to say
“The information was well distributed throughout, going through the interactive element puts you within the journey which is a very effective experience.”
“Lots of fun! The political element is good also.”
“The data on the UK taking in less refugees than other European countries.”
“Lots of emotive statistics reminded me of the immense emotional weight of refugees’ journeys.”
“The stepping points and drawn on obstacles showed how the journey is not smooth.”
Very effective interactivity.
“Yes, and reminded me of the mental health impact on refugees. We all just want to feel safe. We deserve safety, freedom and home.”
“There was a message with shadows on the wall. Words made me feel something.”
“I felt like crying, nostalgic and empathetic towards refugees.”
“Amazing performance and visuals. Sounds and visuals will transfer one to another world in this art.”
“Watching the performance, using the cardboard cut-outs to go through the motions of the journey was amazing.”
“It reminds you of the reality of displaced people. Globally we see ICE, Reform UK marches rise and attack immigrants.”
“I knew a lot about the journey of migration and have family who fled. But this was an exhibition that reminds you of where need for greater support.”
“The sound, the movement was truly beautiful. I would love to see this exhibition in a larger setting.”
“I was lucky enough to be one of the persons who made the other puppet move; that was very moving.”
“The map of illustrations was moving, showed a journey through shape.”
“Thank you for creating this beautiful and important project.
“The part of the performance on interaction between Surya and the soil, on the relationship. It triggers reflection between humans and soil, root of life.”
“It made me feel: yes, as an immigrant, I greatly sympathise with the theme, but we need constructive suggestions or portrayals of a better alternative to really make a change.”
“Good initiative & good job, guys!”
Unity Arts Collective
A graduate theatre company at the University of Kent focusing on creating innovative and experimental theatre that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, fostering a collaborative environment where diverse artistic disciplines converge.
