A RIGHTFUL PLACE
photo credits: Michael Bell
“I hope this project may play a role in helping people see newcomers as individuals, with happy and tragic stories, and unique reasons for coming to live with us. I hope the portraits make people feel curious.”
— Michael Bell —
Shifting public perception of newcomer communities and increasing opportunities for connection and acceptance.
A Rightful Place is a year long multidisciplinary art and social justice project, in which the lives and migration experiences faced by newcomers were documented through portraits and personal narratives. These will be presented in comprehensive exhibitions in numerous locations throughout the province next year.
A Rightful Place was created as an effort to shift negative public perception of newcomer communities in Saskatchewan and generate opportunities for connection and acceptance amongst local communities.
Migration is central to the human experience. Throughout history, people have undertaken significant migrations that have shaped the world we now live in. These journeys are made in hope and exploration, as well as journeys made by force or desperation. Today, migration undertaken for the former reasons is especially prevalent, with thousands of refugees endangering their lives fleeing war-torn countries in the hope of finding a safe, secure, peaceful place to call home and raise their family.
Starting Year
: 2016Artist
: Michael BellProject Locations
: Estevan
: Moose Jaw
: North Battleford
: Prince Albert
: Regina
: Saskatoon
: Swift Current
: Yorkton# of Participants
: 46KM Driven by Artistic Director
: 3,442Countries Represented
: 13Partners
: Regina and Saskatoon Open Door Societies
: Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Estevan, Yorkton, and Prince Albert Newcomer Welcome Societies
: Battlefords Immigration Resource CentreFunders
: SaskCulture / Saskatchewan Lotteries
: Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan
photo credit: Michael Bell
