REFUGEE WEEK REFLECTIONS
Written by Sule Selin Cicek - Compass Collective Artist
As you might know, last week was Refugee Week, which shone a light on the theme of “home.” I was lucky to both represent Compass Collective on the radio and participate in all of their attentively prepared events. It was a week to remember and probably became one of the milestones in my life.
Radio Interviews & Exhibitions
First, we went on the radio on Worldwide FM. If you missed it, you should definitely check it out. (click to listen)
Later that same day, we created and shared our hidden and valued thoughts as poems—our letters to home—on Voice Notes. This was a powerful and emotional experience, allowing us to express our deepest feelings and memories.
The most fun day for me was the Shakespeare Marathon! I think people would've paid a good amount to be there and watch the incredible actors we interacted with and got to read Shakespeare alongside. It was an exhilarating experience that combined the beauty of Shakespeare's words with the unique perspectives of refugees, creating a vibrant tapestry of voices.
Songs of Sanctuary
Finally, on Sunday, we had our monthly Songs of Sanctuary meetup at the studio. This is always the highlight of the month for—seriously, I’m not exaggerating—all of us. It’s a space where we come together to create music, share stories, and support each other. This meetup encapsulates the essence of community and belonging that Compass Collective fosters.
Re-discovering the meaning of ‘Home’
I can’t really choose which day was the highlight or the best out of any of them, as they all made me discover more and more about the feeling of home. Before this week, when I thought about home, I thought of the soil that covers a land or the most basic foundation of a society: family. But this week enhanced my view.
As I was surrounded by art and artists, I endured joy and a feeling of belonging that was unfamiliar to me for a while. Surprisingly, I found myself more in tune with my emotions while reading Shakespeare, writing my poem, and creating music. It made me realize that this was what home feels like for me. The concept of home includes art and its ability to combine a person's past, future, and present with their imagination, making them whole. It’s the purest form of expression and, on the plus side, you’re understood and applauded for it.
A whole week of this not only made me feel at home but also seen. All in all, it was a week that I appreciated deeply.
