This recording captures an event held at The MAC in Belfast that the Anaka Women’s Collective attended in support of the Lift the Ban campaign. This campaign advocates for the right of asylum seekers in Northern Ireland to work.
The evening featured a combination of performance, personal testimony and communal dining which highlighted the daily struggles faced by asylum seekers, many of whom are barred from employment despite their willingness and skills. Guests were served a meal prepared by chefs currently in the asylum system, working without pay due to legal restrictions. Artworks created by asylum-seeking artists, in collaboration with the Anaka Women’s Collective, were also displayed.
The event underscored the role of the arts can play in amplifying marginalised voices and promoting community solidarity. The speakers shared their stories and called on cultural institutions to take a stand on issues such as reproductive rights, housing crises and refugee rights.