Refugia: Exhibition Opening

Join us for the opening of the 2-week free pop-up exhibition which creatively explores wildlife conservation with asylum seekers and refugees

Conservation and caring for wildlife and our planet is often seen as a privilege, but despite not having stable housing and food access, asylum seekers and refugees have a deep respect for nature and interest in how they can protect it.

Over the past six months Refugia, an equitable engagement programme, created a space for therapeutic art practice alongside wildlife conservation. Refugia has been developed by the wildlife conservation charity Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and The New Arts Studio a therapeutic arts group for asylum seekers and refugees.

This unique programme focused on topics at the interface of wildlife conservation and the lived experiences and cultures of asylum seekers and refugees. Hence the name “Refugia”, derived from the scientific term meaning “an area in which a population of living things (organisms) can survive through a period of unfavourable conditions”.

With access to art materials, translators and ZSL London Zoo, ZSL’s conservation researchers and New Arts Studio members were able to share insights and exchange experiences on topics including urban wildlife, UK species, life in water, forests and animal migration.

The fully co-created programme enabled a safe and inclusive environment for mutual learning, expression, discussion and understanding. By making art together, participants connected in profound ways, immersed in the therapeutic benefits of nature and art.

This exhibition explores themes that emerged throughout the programme and showcases the beautiful, and often poignant, art produced by participants of Refugia.

Join us for the opening of this 2-week pop-up exhibition, running from the 9th – 19th February, to discover how the creativity of art and science can bring together diverse perspectives through creativity.

Refugia is funded by a NERC grant to support public engagement with environmental science research. It is supported by Ziath.

The New Art Studio

New Art Studio is a unique therapeutic art studio for asylum seekers and refugees based in London. New Art Studio directly addresses the complex needs of asylum seekers and refugees by providing a therapeutic and social environment where they feel safe.

ZSL (Zoological Society of London)            

Founded in 1826, ZSL (Zoological Society of London) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity whose mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. Our mission is realised through our ground-breaking science, our active conservation projects in more than 50 countries and our two Zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.  

Opening: 6 February 2023,

Huxley Meeting Rooms, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Free.

Refugia: Exhibition Opening

Join us for the opening of the 2-week free pop-up exhibition which creatively explores wildlife conservation with asylum seekers and refugees

Opening: 6 February 2023,

Huxley Meeting Rooms, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Free.

Access to ZSL London Zoo is not required.

Full Exhibition Opening times:

Monday 6 Feb: 6–8pm

Tuesday 7 Feb: Closed

Wednesday 8 Feb: Closed

Thursday 9 Feb: 12–8pm

Friday 10 Feb: 12–8pm

Saturday 11 Feb: 11–4pm

Sunday 12 Feb: 11–4pm

Monday 13 Feb: 12–8pm

Tuesday 14 Feb: Closed

Wednesday 15 Feb: Closed

Thursday 16 Feb: 12–8pm

Friday 17 Feb: 12–8pm

Saturday 18 Feb: 11–4pm

Sunday 19 Feb: 11–4pm

Refugia Exhibition: Opening