Refugee Week

Refugee Week 2026 takes place from 15–21 June 2026. It is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and courage of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. As a community-powered festival, everyone is invited to take part, and getting involved couldn't be easier. Whether you join Quentin Blake's Simple Acts campaign to show solidarity with refugees and build connections in your community, attend or volunteer at a local event, or organise your own creative activity, every action matters - big or small.

Refugee Week is shaped by individuals, artists, schools, libraries, venues, local authorities, cultural institutions and grassroots organisations. Founded in the UK in 1998, it takes place every June alongside World Refugee Day (20 June) and has since grown into a global movement with over 2 million participants, across over 20 countries. Refugee Week UK is a partnership project coordinated by Counterpoints Arts, working with a wide network of national partners and organisations. refugeeweek.org

Image credit: Illustration by Quentin Blake ©