Diaspora Artists Commissions - Call for Artworks. Refugee Week Greece 2026

Refugee Week Greece returns for its fifth edition from 15 to 21 June 2026, celebrating the creativity, resilience, and diversity of people who have experienced migration and forced displacement through arts and culture events across Athens and beyond.

Part of the global Refugee Week network, the world’s largest arts and culture festival dedicated to people who have experienced forced displacement, Refugee Week Greece is organised and produced by We are Community.

Theme 2026: Courage

Inspired by the experiences of people seeking sanctuary, Refugee Week 2026 invites us to explore the theme of Courage.

For refugees around the world, courage is often a daily necessity. It is the courage to face unknown and dangerous journeys, learn new languages, navigate unfamiliar systems, or simply to wake up each morning and step into an uncertain world.

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, 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.

Refugee Week 2026 also marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention — the life-saving legal instrument affirming that those forced to flee deserve protection, dignity, and hope. A proof that even in our darkest hours, we can choose to protect each other.

The Commissions

In collaboration with the Athens Coordination Center for Migrant and Refugee issues (ACCMR), Refugee Week Greece invites artists to submit work inspired by this year’s theme COURAGE and the everyday acts of hope that often go unseen.

We welcome all forms of artistic expression, including but not limited to visual arts, poetry, illustration and comics, photography and video, installation, textile and craft, mixed media, and participatory or community-based work.

The submitted proposals can be a new project developed specifically in response to the theme, or an existing project you have been developing that aligns with the theme and can evolve through this opportunity.

Four artworks or projects will be selected, and each artist will receive a €300 production grant, mentoring support from the Refugee Week Greece team to help develop their work, and the opportunity to exhibit during Refugee Week Greece 2026. We strongly encourage applications from refugee, migrant, and diaspora artists, artists working with refugee or migrant communities, and artists interested in themes of belonging, courage, and community. Artists based in Greece are prioritized, but collaborations across borders are very much welcome.

More information HERE

Submissions Deadline: Sunday 24 May 2026

Artworks will be displayed as part of an exhibition presented in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, within the Refugee Week Greece official programme and the 75th Anniversary of the Refugee Convention (17 – 19 June 2026)

Τhe actions and services of ACCMR are implemented within the framework of the project Open Social Net (OSN), funded by the Attica 2021–2027 Programme (NSRF 2021–2027), co-financed by the European Union (ESF+), and implemented by Develop Athens S.A.

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For any use, please mention the following social media:

Instagram: @refugeeweekgreece | Facebook: @refugeeweekgreece | LinkedIn: @refugee-week-greece | website: www.refugeeweek.gr

For more information and press enquiries please contact Dina Ntziora - Producer and Natani Petros - Coordinator I [email protected] tel: +30 698 30 50 292

About the Organisations:

We are Community

We are Community is a community-powered organisation founded by Dina Ntziora that focuses on diversity in the arts, participatory engagement, and social impact through cultural management. It creates inclusive spaces where creativity, dialogue, and collaboration bring people together across backgrounds, using arts and culture as tools to strengthen belonging, empower underrepresented voices, and build more connected, equitable communities. wearecommunity.info

UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We protect millions of people by responding with life-saving support, safeguarding fundamental human rights and helping them build a better future. Each year, 20 June marks World Refugee Day, the international day to honour people who have been forced to flee. This year, World Refugee Day focuses on the right to seek safety as a common safeguard for all of us. 75 years ago, after the Second World War, the world made a promise through the Refugee Convention: people forced to flee have the right to seek safety and protection. It was never meant for a few. It was meant for all of us. This World Refugee Day, help keep the promise of safety alive. www.unhcr.gr

ACCMR

A vibrant network for an inclusive Athens. The Athens Coordination Center for Migrant & Refugee issues (ACCMR) was established in 2017 on the initiative of the City of Athens. ACCMR is the first municipality-led coordination hub in Greece, facilitating cooperation between the City of Athens and civil society, international organisations and central government, while enabling effective integration policies. An important tool of ACCMR is its Digital Service Mapping Platform, a participatory resource that provides information on social programmes and services available in Athens by public stakeholders and civil society organizations. ACCMR also supports the services of the City of Athens and implements inclusion-focused initiatives that promote the social integration of migrants and refugees, contributing to a more inclusive city for all. Since its establishment, the City of Athens and ACCMR have continuously supported Refugee Week Greece, standing alongside the festival in promoting solidarity, inclusion, and intercultural dialogue. www.accmr.gr/en/