Young people from across South Powys have again demonstrated creativity, compassion and understanding through a special art and literature challenge organised by HBTSR as part of Refugee Week 2026.
The exhibition at Theatr Brycheiniog , featuring 31 entries from nine schools across South Powys, demonstrates creative and imaginative ways of celebrating people who are refugees. Through collaboration and thoughtful reflection, pupils have produced artwork and poetry that recognise the courage, resilience and contributions of refugee people both past and present.
Some of the featured artwork.
A private viewing was held for pupils, families, teachers and local dignitaries, where certificates were presented by Brecon Town Mayor, Councillor Sian Drinan, in the company of headteachers from some participating schools and local county councillors Matthew Dorrance, David Meredith and Liz Rijnenberg.
Participating schools were
- Priory School
- Llanfaes School
- Brecon High School
- Llangattock School
- Crickhowell Primary School
- Ysgol y Mynydd Du
- Llangors School
- Hay School
- Clyro School
The work of acclaimed poet Warsan Shire provided a starting point for some of the creative inspiration behind the exhibition. Her poem Home highlights the difficult choices faced by people forced to flee conflict and persecution. In the poem she writes, “you only leave home when home won’t let you stay” and “no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land.” Other entries were based upon story books such as the Butterfly and Paper boats and some referenced Jesus Christ as a very famous refugee. .
These powerful ideas encouraged pupils to consider the experiences of people seeking sanctuary in Wales and beyond. The resulting artworks demonstrate an appreciation of what refugees bring to life in the UK today and throughout history, including diverse skills, languages, food, scientific and creative expertise, sporting achievements, musical talent and cultural enrichment. The exhibition forms part of Refugee Week 2026, taking place internationally from 15–21 June, the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees. .
Rowland Jepson, HBTSR Lead for Schools of Sanctuary, said:
“It was heartening that, at a time when so much media attention is devoted to negative stories about people seeking asylum, local schools found so much to celebrate about the contributions that refugees have made over the years. The entries showed a real understanding of how much richer our country is as a result of immigration and the diverse experiences that refugees bring to our communities.”
As a lasting legacy of the project, each participating school will receive a selection of books exploring themes of migration, sanctuary and belonging. The books have been sourced, and partly sponsored, by Tom Owen of Gay-on-Wye bookshop, whose support will help ensure that pupils can continue learning about refugee experiences long after the exhibition has ended.
We thank all participating pupils, teachers, families and supporters for helping to create a moving and inspiring exhibition that celebrates welcome, inclusion and the courage of those who seek sanctuary. In addition HBTSR wants to thank Theatr Brycheiniog for hosting this exhibition during June and Hay Castle from July 1st to 15th and the CRIC Gallery from 20th July to 1st August. Thanks