Refused? Our first installation at the Museum

Image: Exhibition set up, by Matt Turtle.

The Museum of Homelessness has not opened (that will happen in April 2024) but on 6th December we did a secret installation with some people that we care about very much, community researchers and team at NACCOM the No Accommodation Network. NACCOM is a national network of over 130 frontline organisations and charities across the UK, working together to end destitution amongst people seeking asylum, refugees and other migrants who aren’t able to access to public funds because of their immigration status.

This one night only event and installation celebrated the work of NACCOM’s community researchers who have lived experience of the asylum system, homelessness and destitution.

Image: Eiri Ohtani

We have been working with the Community Researchers over the last 4 weeks to plan the installation which made use of the outside and inside of our new site and which we unveiled together to a packed museum and a beautiful audience. The installation featured the beautiful illustrations of Ada Jusic, displayed on textile hangings, which Museum of Homelessness is donating to the Community Researchers to install at other venues around the UK.

We are proud that the first creative installation on this site centered the voices and experiences of people in our community who are living through and fighting the hostile environment, especially as far right activity and government hostility to migrants increases, with rife disinformation and inhumane policies.

Image: Matt Turtle

Nico Ndolvu (@NdolvuNico) said:

“As a Community Researcher, our first time to be in the Museum of Homelessness was empowering to be in this space and we were able to empower others who attended. It takes time to design the exhibition, but it felt so good and welcoming. We could see ourselves before we even started to talk. It is good to inspire other refugees not to sit on their talents while they wait for the Home Office decision. We want to thank Museum of Homelessness for collaborating with us on this project”

Image: Ada Jusic

Eiri Ohtani, Director of Right to Remain did a summary of the event on social media:

“Tonight, one of Right to Remain's close friends, NACCOM hosted an evening celebration of their Community Reseachers - they wrote a report 'Refused', documenting the experiences of people seeking asylum after a negative decision. A group of Community Researchers - people who are going through the asylum system - who have been working together for 2 years, gave us a guided tour of the exhibition, the first to be held at Museum of Homelessness. 'Experts-by-experience' has been in vogue for some time in this field. While I feel not everyone gets it right, I find it difficult to explain how to define what's 'right' in this context. But as I was listening to Community Researchers speak, I knew this was right. They spoke with grace, power and humour. And compassion for everyone. When asked what's next after the publication of the report, they said they will continue to fight for home for everyone. I suppose it's their thirst for justice and dignity that shone tonight. So congratulations to everyone who made tonight's event possible. And we look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.

Solidarity is unlimited and solidarity will win.”