Community Art Spaces

Farhad Bandesh 
Artist. Musician. Refugee. 
A Digital Art Exhibition 

While our two community art spaces are currently closed, we are heartened that Northsiders with Refugees approached us to host an online art exhibition for Farhad Bandesh – musician, visual artist, and at present a refugee in detention. This exhibition is now open on our Facebook page. Click the link to view photo album: Farhad Bandesh. Artist. Musician. Detained Refugee. 

Farhad Bandesh sought asylum in 2013 and spent almost seven years on Manus Island before being medically evacuated to Australia last year. A musician and instrument maker in his native Kurdistan, Farhad has been writing songs and creating visual art while detained as a means of spiritual escape. During this time he has produced more than 100 artworks, some of which are currently on display in our online exhibition on Facebook.

Darebin Libraries are places that foster inspiration, creativity and celebrate diversity through arts and culture. Offering a wide range of programs we aim to build a safe, inclusive and equitable community, valuing social connectedness and respect.

The City of Darebin is a Refugee Welcome Zone. A Refugee Welcome Zone is a Local Government Area which has made a commitment to welcoming refugees into the community, upholding the human rights of refugees, demonstrating compassion for refugees and enhancing cultural and religious diversity in our community. Since becoming a Refugee Welcome Zone in 2002 Council has continued to advocate and campaign for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.