The 4th edition of the YOU ARE AT HOME programme
The YOU ARE AT HOME programme is designed for refugees and migrants living in Poland, particularly those who have arrived here recently. It is aimed at people interested in art, culture and socially engaged activities, as well as those who were professionally involved in the arts in their country of origin but have not yet had the opportunity to do so in Poland. Projects supported under the programme may be submitted by any migrant or refugee, regardless of their background, legal status or previous artistic experience.
In February 2026, a series of workshops entitled "Modern Dance Course by Dima Duke” took place in Słupsk, comprising a total of four 75-minute sessions. The sessions were open to everyone – regardless of age, dance experience or level of physical fitness. A total of 43 people took part in the project.
The aim of the project was to develop dance, artistic and improvisational skills amongst the residents of Słupsk and to create an open space for creative expression through movement. The workshops encouraged participants to discover their own potential, develop body awareness and build self-confidence in an atmosphere of mutual support and freedom.
Project concept: Dima Duke (Belarus)
IG: duke.dima
The ‘Migrant’ project is an artistic installation exploring the themes of forced migration, refugeehood and the consequences of contemporary humanitarian and political crises. The starting point for its creation was both personal childhood memories and a reflection on the events of recent years – the migration crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border, war, and the experiences of people forced to leave their homes.
The central element of the work is a hybrid of a dolphin’s body and a human skeleton. The dolphin – a symbol of a creature losing its bearings and perishing as a result of warfare – becomes a metaphor for people pushed beyond the boundaries of safety and forced to migrate. The figure, clad in a raincoat with a key hidden in its pocket, evokes memories of home, loss and the hope of a possible return.
Artist: Volha Prankievič (Belarus)
IG: volha_prankievic
The project grew out of work on the translation of a book about the utopian community of Monte Verità in Ascona – a place whose inhabitants, in the early 20th century, sought new ways of life, rebelling against the constraints of modern society and the mounting tensions leading up to the First World War. The community’s members saw the roots of the crisis in patriarchal culture and proposed an alternative vision based on the idea of the Mother Goddess, combining feminism, closeness to nature and spiritual freedom.
The project was inspired by the concept of the Divine Mother as a mysterious, feminine force present in trance, dance, sound and vibration. In response to contemporary social and cultural challenges, a series of artistic objects was created which, through the medium of clothing, interpret the idea of feminine energy, agency and spirituality.
The project resulted in the creation of three outfits, inspired by the themes of the book being translated. Each one represents an original interpretation of feminine energy, the relationship with nature and spiritual freedom, translating these values into the language of form, material and clothing.
Designer: Katsiaryna Nestsiarovich (Belarus)
IG: froufrouandloukoum
Cookery workshops on Palestinian cuisine and culture
The workshops were led by Fadel – a refugee from Gaza who managed to leave the Gaza Strip. By sharing his own experiences, stories and family recipes, he invited participants to discover Palestine through its flavours, traditions and everyday culture.
The aim of the workshops was to introduce Palestinian culture through its culinary heritage and to create a space for intercultural dialogue. Cooking together provided an opportunity to discuss life in Palestine, memory, identity and the experience of forced migration.
Mastermind for Artists is a series of small-group meetings aimed at artists, actors and actresses, and other creative professionals who, having moved to Poland, are facing the challenges of building their careers in a new country. Between 4 and 8 people took part in each meeting, which helped to foster an atmosphere of trust, openness and mutual support.
The aim of the project was to create a space for exchanging experiences, jointly seeking solutions and planning further professional development. Participants worked on clarifying their artistic goals, analysed the challenges of operating in a new market, and shared knowledge, contacts and best practices.
Project creator: Dariia Gomez (Ukraine)
IG: oxygen_rocket
Money & Mind is a series of workshops dedicated to financial wellbeing, combining practical knowledge of financial management with reflection on the psychological aspects of financial decision-making. The project was designed for people who want to build a healthier relationship with money, better understand their habits and reduce financial stress.
During the workshops, participants explored the emotions and beliefs that influence how they manage their budget, whilst also acquiring practical tools for planning expenditure, saving, investing and managing debt. The sessions took an interactive format – combining discussions, exercises and games that encouraged active participation and the sharing of experiences.
The workshops took place in February and April 2026.
Project initiators: Barbara Kihlu, Patricia Hwambu (Kenya)
Contra is an upcycling project aimed at giving unused materials and objects a new lease of life by turning them into unique bags and accessories. The initiative promotes a creative approach to design and encourages the reuse of resources rather than discarding them.
The project addresses the issue of overconsumption and the negative impacts of the fast fashion industry, demonstrating that fashion can be created in a responsible and conscious manner. Each item produced is one-of-a-kind, and the creative process highlights the value of craftsmanship, creativity and care for the environment.
Project founder: Andrei Papou (Belarus)
Performative workshop ‘You’re at Home’
The project took the form of a three-hour performative workshop entitled ‘You’re at Home’, aimed at people interested in working with the body, the voice and performative activities. Around 20 participants took part in the event.
The workshop programme included movement and voice exercises, mindfulness work, and group activities designed to foster creativity, communication and relationship-building. An important element of the event was the presence of live music, which accompanied the entire process and supported the participants’ concentration, integration and creative expression. The workshop created a space for experimenting with movement, sound and collaboration, encouraging participants to take an active part in the shared creative process.
Project concept: Anastasija Kapytok (Belarus)
IG: zowi_nasta_sey
The Stories Without Borders exhibition and workshops for refugee women in Białystok
Art workshops for women, led by Esta – a painter and refugee – took place at the refugee centre in Białystok. The session was attended primarily by women with experience of migration who, having crossed the Polish-Belarusian border, had begun to build a new life in Poland.
Through art, writing and conversation, the participants were able to talk about their experiences, share their emotions and reclaim some time dedicated solely to themselves.
The exhibition Stories Without Borders explored themes of humanity, memory, migration and the strength that enables people to find their place in a new reality.The paintings on display, created by Esta and full of symbols and personal experiences, provided an opportunity for reflection and discussion on the themes of identity, home and hope. The exhibition took place at the Caritas Centre for Migrants and Refugees in Białystok.
Artist: Estabraq Al-Tameemi (Palestine)
Colophone
The programme is funded by Stichting Vluchteling as part of a collaboration between Strefa WolnoSłowa and the Egala Association