‘Walk with Art: Refugees and Asylum Seekers’ was an exciting summer, post-pandemic project where we invited artist and educator Jane Bevan to work with refugees and asylum seekers in Pendle. Jane Bevan’s practice involves collecting and assembling found natural materials to make unique and eco-friendly artworks. Jane took the groups on walks to explore the local natural landscapes of the Pendle countryside and the group collected natural materials to experiment with. The project was aimed at improving well-being through nature and art, focusing on recovery, creativity, and community. The refugees and asylum seekers that took part where from all different parts of the world, for example, Syria, Iran, Turkey and Mongolio. The project provided support for refugees and asylum seekers, helping them to build strong and sustainable links in their community and learn more about their locale, with a strong focus on being outdoors and engaging with nature, which has a huge positive impact on mental and physical health. 

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The project helped to integrate those members of the refugee and asylum seeker community who may lack a sense of belonging, be on low incomes or experience difficulties with mental health or discrimination. The workshops took place in a variety of outdoor locations. We visited Victoria Park, Nelson, Towneley Park, Burnley, Pendle Hill, Wycollar, the Leeds and Liverpool canal, and had a trip on a canal boat. This project was supported by Lancashire County Council.