AMES Australia's annual Heartlands arts project for refugee and migrant artists was launched this week with a stunning exhibition of photography and digital work that gives an insight into the experiences of multicultural communities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Titled Heartlands 2020: Stories from the inside, the exhibition was launched by Victoria's Minister for Multicultural Affairs Hon. Ros Spence who paid tribute to AMES's work supporting migrants and refugees settle in Australia.
Then the exhibition provides a glimpse into the experiences of multicultural communities through the prism of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Five artists from a range of migrant and refugee communities have produced photographic or digital artworks for this year's exhibition. Hailing from countries including Bosnia, Iran, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Ethiopia, the artists' work gives insights into how the pandemic has affected our diverse communities.
“Much of what we see in the media about refugees, migrants and emerging communities is portrayed through the prism of mainstream society and more so at time of global pandemic. Heartlands 2020 has offered the opportunity for culturally and linguistically diverse artists to tell their own authentic stories in the context of the pandemic," said AMES Australia CEO Cath Scarth, speaking at the launch.
The Heartlands 2020 exhibition can be viewed here: https://heartlands.ames.net.au