© UNHCR
OTTAWA – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in Canada is proud to announce the launch of the Hope Away from Home campaign, a virtual art exhibit showcasing the powerful stories and artistic contributions of refugees and their supporters in Canada. This campaign highlights the resilience, creativity, and enduring human spirit of those who have found new beginnings in Canada.
“At a time when the world can feel so volatile, so uncertain, art emerges as a common thread that weaves together the deepest parts of our shared humanity,” said Tracey Maulfair, UNHCR Representative in Canada. “The Hope Away from Home campaign is more than just an exhibit; it is a celebration of the warmth and generosity of Canadians who have opened their hearts and homes to refugees.”
Hope Away from Home features the works of more than 20 artists from cities such as Burnaby, Delta, Gatineau, Hamilton, Montreal, Ottawa, St. John’s, Toronto, and Winnipeg. It includes several refugees who have overcome war and violence and now call Canada home. They have used art to heal and also build connection.
Camilo Arias, a featured artist who lives in Gatineau, Quebec, shared his perspective: “Displacement may not be a direct experience for everyone, but feelings of loss, fear, uncertainty, or being out of place are universal. My art seeks to tell people, ‘You are not alone. I see your pain.’ It is through this recognition that connection and healing begin. Through my art, I aim to build bridges of empathy and understanding. The Hope Away from Home campaign celebrates the resilience of refugees and the inclusive spirit of Canadians, reminding us all of our shared humanity.”
By sharing these stories, UNHCR Canada aims to inspire action, cultivate understanding, and build a future where no one is left behind. Visit the Hope Away from Home exhibit at unhcr.ca/hope and join us in this inspiring journey of hope and solidarity.
Media contacts:
- In Ottawa, Levon Sevunts, sevunts@unhcr.org +1-613-286-6975
