Refugee-Led Cultural Week

Week 1, 8-13 June · Amsterdam 
‍
Radical hope is not naive optimism.
It is the courage to insist on a future you cannot yet see.

Four evenings of radical hope & courage — by artists with lived experience of displacement

Day 1 — Truth

Monday 8 June · Pakhuis de Zwijger

‍Learning from lived-experience — through dinner, performances, and co-creation
· 17:00 Exhibition
· 18:00 Community Dinner
· 20:00 Programme
· 22:00 End

With Pavithra Perera, Anas Younes, Naya Aljoudi, Sajad Salmanpour, Elena Ponzoni, Thomars Shamuyarira, Castiel Hedari, Queer Work, Refugee Academy + more
Programme & Tickets

Day 2 — Belonging

Tuesday 9 June · Dominicuskerk

Creating space where presence is not questioned
· 17:30 Walk-in
· 18:00 Performative Dinner
· 20:00 Performances
· 22:00 End

With Rachelle Traboulsi, Al-Qadima Escola Trio, The Forgotten Stone + more
Programme & Tickets

Day 3 — Action

Thursday 11,  June · CC Amstel

From witnessing to Action
· 16:00 Workshop
· 17:30 Community Dinner
· 19:00 TheaturePerformances
· 22:00 End

With Idris Elhassan, Ina Hobson, Bright O’Richards + more
Programme & Tickets

Day 4 — Future

Friday 12,  June · Felix Meritis

Imagining and building what comes next
· 15:00 Exhibition & Co-Creation
· 17:30 Community Dinner
· 18:30 Programme
· 22:00 End

With Carolina Montenegro & Adnan Samman, Roua Jafar, Emmanuela, Jonon Zulaikho, Milly, Azoz Adowe + more
Programme & Tickets

THE SWARM — A Dancing Protest

Saturday 13,  June · Amsterdam Central Station

Join us as we dance through the city, like a radiating swarm
No choreography. No Ticket.

With DJ Cheb Runner, SWARM Movement + more
Register to let us know you'll be there!

Transportation Support

Available for people living in AZCs or shelters outside Amsterdam.Feel free to reach out to us at program@refugeewelcomeweek.nl

About Refugee Welcome Week

‍Refugee Welcome Week NL 2026 is a refugee-led programme bringing together young refugees and newcomers across four Dutch cities: Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam. Over two weeks, participants take the lead as performers, curators, hosts, producers, and storytellers, creating spaces of connection through art, discussion, film, music, food, and community action. Refugee Welcome Week NL is part of the wider international Refugee Week movement and is organised in close partnership with Refugee Week UK.