With Refugee Week on the horizon (19th – 25th June) throughout this month Frome Town Hall will host a selection of artwork from the first Artists in Dialogue exhibition which was originally held at the Silk Mill earlier this year – and all are welcome to come and view the amazing artwork!

Almost a year ago, Artists in Dialogue began their conversations using the powerful language of art. Fourteen Frome-based and Ukrainian artists (in exile or in Ukraine) came together online using virtual platforms to share their thoughts, experiences and their art. In the autumn War Vocabulary was added to the project's title in order to underline one of the artists' key aims; to keep the illegal war on Ukraine uppermost in people's minds.

CONNECTION ЄДНАННЯ was the first Artists in Dialogue: War Vocabulary exhibition showcasing almost fifty giclée limited edition prints produced from original project artwork. The exhibition was made possible by sponsorship, donations and support from many local businesses, organisations and individuals. Over the ten days more than five hundred people viewed the exhibition. Many commented on the emotional power of the artwork and the strength of the bond between the artists.

Pam Warner who is an artist and the project administrator said: "We thank Frome Town Council for the opportunity to share our project artwork with visitors to the town hall. Our exhibition CONNECTION ЄДНАННЯ in March was a first for this challenging yet humbling group project. If you missed it, please come along to view our artwork and find out more about our ongoing conversation using the gift of a language that is stateless and without boundaries."

A number of Frome and Ukrainian project artists plan to meet up and exhibit in Rabka-Zdrój, Poland during the quadripartite town-twinning mid-June. The Frome-based artists are also hoping to give talks about Artists in Dialogue: War Vocabulary in other West Country towns in the coming months. Artist and project convener Lorna Thomas said: "The project has provided the opportunity for us to develop supportive, effective ways of working alongside artists experiencing displacement and the trauma of an illegal war. We are keen to share this with other like-minded artists."

For more information visit www.artistsindialogue.org.

Also during Refugee Week, Frome Town Council are organising two further events for the local community. On Tuesday 20th June, they are throwing a picnic for the whole town at Victoria Park from 4:30 – 6:30pm. All refugees and Frome residents are invited to join the fun, celebrating the resilience and contribution of our refugee community and Frome's compassion. There will be free activities for all ages including circus play and creating a community zine. Bring a plate of food to share, a blanket or chair, there will also be refreshments available from the Community Café.

The second event is a Ukrainian Cultural Awareness Session taking place on Wednesday 21st June at The Good Heart. The event is run by Iryna Ladyzhenska who is the Social Facilitator at the Frome Refugee Support Hub. The event aims to share information and news from our Ukrainian community and a chance to learn some interesting Ukrainian culture. The event is free but secure your ticket here: bit.ly/UkrainianAwareness

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