Beyond Fear Arts Collective and the Quaker Committee for Refugees have issued an open call for artwork for their annual Refugee Art Show. This is the third annual art exhibition in the new series, held to mark the Rights of Refugees Month - showcasing the work of refugee artists from many countries, as well as artists born in Canada who exhibit in solidarity with the refugee artists.

The theme for this year's exhibition is Arbitrary Borders. Curated by Helen Melbourne at Friends House, 60 Lowther Ave. Toronto

This can be borders that are set by governments or authorities, by war and treaties; boundaries you set for yourself or others.

We will be looking at the concept of immigration and rejection, walls, fences, resettlement, detainment, the millions of people caught in political battles and manoeuvres, and what it means for humanity and individuals when a decision is made to close borders and evict asylum seekers or send them back to their unsafe homeland or to homes that are no longer there.

Forced resettlement is part of this theme as well as the effects of climate change, and the effect mass migration has on our natural world. Borders that set up separate geographical areas and remove traditional lands are also to be considered - there are millions of people worldwide who have been forcibly moved to reserves or camps, or marginal lands and denied citizenship and human rights within their country of birth.

Artwork that considers either the barrier itself or what is on either side of the barrier, the hope for acceptance, or the despair of rejection will be considered for this juried show.

Deadline for submission: March 21 at 5 pm
Arbitrary Borders exhibition dates: April 5, 6, 7, 2018

Setup will be on April 4. Artists are required to assist in hanging and take-down

Up to 8 small Jpegs may be submitted to the curator.

Please email for additional submission details:
helenmelbourne@sympatico.ca
or call Helen Melbourne at 416-424-4334
or Eusebio Garcia at 416-964-9669