Culture, Arts and Refugees
Bill Hamblett
 | Bill HamblettArtistic Director, Small World Theatre |
Biography
I have worked with arts and development with Ann Shrosbree since 1979 when we formed the company. Working with refugee issues since visiting refugee camps in Sudan in 1986 and in 1992 in camps in Hong Kong and following refugees stories back to Vietnam. Touring Britain with the resultant show for 4 years sponsored by SCF. In 2003-5 we toured Wales' host communities with Diogel / Safe, a programme of work researched in Wales concerning refugee integration pre-empting negative effects of the dispersal programme. Other theatre work with refugee groups in Swansea focusses on developing a refugee voice with policymakers and service providers.
PLN Experience
I really value the work of all the participants. This network represents the collective consciousness of many of the most talented practitioners working in the field of Arts and Refugees. The work is also informed by the other social arts activities that members of this group carry out on a daily basis. It is a privilege to encounter this group and share thoughts, ideas and experience exploring a diversity of disciplines and variety of approaches. The rigour that has been brought to bear on the subject reflects the wisdom and status of these cultural leaders.
This has highlighted the invaluable contribution that Creative Exchange has made in focussing and facilitating this network. Although my contribution to the network has been very limited it has let me see how powerful this type of process is in helping to form and inform practice and policy.