Embedded Files
Mission statement:
"Student-led event using art as a tool to shine a light on the global refugee crisis."
What is RefugArt?
RefugArt is an annual student-led fundraising event that combines the power of art and philanthropy to raise awareness for the global refugee crisis.
What does this year's theme, "We're Going to Need a Bigger Boat", mean?
In light of the worsening climate crisis, this year's RefugArt event focuses on global warming's effects on the refugee crisis; climate refugees. As stated by the UNHCR last spring;
"an annual average of 21.5 million people have been forcibly displaced due to weather-related events – such as floods, storms, wildfires and extreme temperatures – since 2008".
This year's slogan "We're Going to Need a Bigger Boat" makes reference to the 1975 Jaws film and the ironic relevance of needing bigger boats, not due to any marine-animal-caused danger, but the climate and Earth itself. Not only does this highlight the exponentially increasing number of refugees, but all the more desperate circumstances current, and new forcibly displaced individuals, are experiencing. If people were to come together for support, unity and solidarity, now is the time. Now more than ever, millions of refugees that share struggles, identities and interests need humanities help. Through this slogan, the Executive Team hopes to spread awarness about the increasingly worsening climate and refugee crisis, and prompt students, parents and teachers alike to take action, no matter how small.
The History of RefugArt Throughout The Years
Refugart was founded in 2016 by Ms. Ana Martinez, Ms. Marta Vernet, and IB visual art students. Since then it has become an annual ASB event, growing in size each year. Below, check out how RefugArt has evolved over the years!
2016~ The Life Jacket Exhibition
Over 300 real refugee life jackets were sent to ASB in April from the island of Lesbos. The life jackets were given to the ASB community to create art pieces with them. The final life jacket art pieces were then presented in an exhibition.
the truck arriving
powerful message from 5th graders
ASB moms preparing for the exhibition
beautiful work from Manuel
a message from Ms. Cheryl's 5th graders
collaborating with Fundació Proa
2016-2017 ~ Create Your Footstep, A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
The event raised money for Water for Sudan and Za'atari Refugee Camp. The event took place in the evening was filled with art pieces, performances, and speeches. The event raised about 3,000 euros.
the event poster
Art piece that was created by ASB student, Sarai Marcó
Ceramic tiles created by ASB students that were sold at the event
2017-2018 ~ Eye to Eye (Ojos Solidarios)
This year's campaign, Eye to Eye (Ojos Solidarios), raised money for the NGO, A Drop in the Ocean. A Drop in the Ocean works to improve the lives of displaced persons mainly in Greece, Bosnia, and Herzegovina. They do this by distributing necessities such as clothing, hygiene items, and food. Small stones were painted with eyes by members of the ASB community using nail polish. These stones were then sold to raise money for the NGO, A Drop in the Ocean.
Later the evening event was planned which included an art exhibition with art of all grade levels, an art auction, and speeches from the UNHCR, American, Greek, and Austrian consuls. All proceeds went to the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
our 11th grade IBVA students collaborated with the IBVA students from the Leysin American School
RefugArt team hard at work
We were honored to partner with Natura to display and sell our stones in their Barcelona stores.
We love that ASB staff gets involved too!
2018-2019 ~ Move to Evolve
With the butterfly supporting this year's theme, Move to Evolve, students created butterfly themed art pieces to sell at the evening event. In addition, artists in the Barcelona area donated art to be sold at a silent art auction. The evening event ended with speeches given from guest speakers and ASB event coordinators. The proceeds made from the selling of art pieces were donated to NGOs. In addition, RefugArt participated in the Books for Africa fundraiser.
some butterfly themed ceramic pieces that were sold at the event
evening event!
books for Africa fundraiser
art merchandise stand
speeches
2020-2021 ~ Equally Different: Together
Dealing with the effects of the pandemic, this team had to face numerous challenges when planning the event. They had to be prepared for a live, hybrid, or virtual event. The event ended up being hybrid but was still a huge success. They hosted some activities during the day for students and then had a virtual art auction. All proceeds made from the art sales were donated to Refugee based NGOs.
the amazing RefugArt Executive board
the Exec team planning
ceramic pieces that were for sale
meeting with a founder of RefugArt
ceramic jewelry that were sold
Capulanas (pictured to the left and right) are native cloths and dresses. They were sold online, proceeds were donated to charity.
2021-2022 ~ Same Roots, Different Trees
RefugArt 2022 developed around the theme; Different trees, shared roots, encompassing how despite each individual has their own stories and experiences, there are always shared aspects (origins, identities, interests, etc.) that tie us together. Now more than ever we felt it was crucial to convey this message when oftentimes society finds ways to highlight differences rather than cherishing similarities. RefugArt 2022 took place when Covid restrictions were fortunately loosening, but it still came with several challenges. Despite this, our event was a success as we were able to find new ways to impact the community, share each story uniquely, build connections, develop our image, and donate nearly 5,000 euros towards the global refugee crisis.
Here's to the expansion and growth of RefugArt for years to come!
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