Against a backdrop of Union Jack flags hoisted in UK streets as protests against immigration and asylum accommodation, the social context of this exhibition could hardly be more timely. Does such dissent reflect a genuine ideological divide, or does it mask deeper class divisions fueled by political rhetoric? Migration has enriched UK society, offering unique cultural perspectives on universal human experiences as well as tangible commercial benefits. Yet questions about migration are increasingly weaponised, reducing complex dialogue to soundbites and meaningful solutions to performative gestures. Echoes of Migration promises to go deeper, demonstrating art’s vital role in fostering the understanding necessary for genuine encounter across difference.
Press notes: Echoes of Migration (RSA)
Art Voyage is proud to launch its global platform, ongoing cultural programme, and nomadic biennial with Echoes of Migration — a multifaceted initiative comprising permanent public art installations and immersive Summit. Rooted in a commitment to celebrating migrant narratives and amplifying vital voices within the arts, Echoes of Migration officially inaugurates Art Voyage’s innovative, itinerant cultural programme.
The project centres around the flagship Echoes of Migration Summit, taking place at London’s prestigious Royal Society of Arts (RSA), 10 October 2025. Bringing together over 20 leading voices from the art world and beyond, the one-day event (October 10th 2025) will explore the intersections of migration, identity, and contemporary creativity. Far more than a traditional conference, Echoes of Migration is a cultural catalyst. It brings together artists, curators, cultural leaders, philanthropists, and educators to co-create a platform for dialogue, imagination, and systemic change, centering migrant voices as powerful agents of creativity, care, and cultural connection.
Tackling urgent topics such as “The Role of Cultural Memory & Heritage” and “The Role of Institutions in Supporting Migrant Artists”, the summit offers an engaging and participatory experience through thought-provoking panels, Q&A sessions, and collective reflection. The entire programme will be documented and published as podcasts to ensure long-term public access and sectoral impact.
Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and Lewisham Council, and taking place in the heart of the City of London, the Summit will feature renowned contributors including: Tamsin Ace (Director, East Bank); Paulo Arraiano (Visual artist, co-founder of Re_act Contemporary); Andy Ash (Artist & Researcher); Daniela Bianco-Duppen (Art Advisor); Jeffrey Boloten (Co-Founder & MD, ArtInsight; Head of Art & Business, Sotheby’s Institute); Alice Burnhope (Textile Artist); Jonathan Burton (CEO, Cockpit Studios); Chimere Cisse (Founder, Cissé); Alina Davey (Head of Sotheby’s Collectors Group, EMEA); Mark Davy ( Founder of Future City); Rose Issa (Founder, Rose Issa Projects); Sylwia Krason (Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Contemporary Lynx Magazine); Sarah Le Quang Sang (Founder, SLQS Gallery); Lucy Littlewood (Senior Advisor, Venture Associates); Erika Loch (Poet & Writer); Marta Orsola Sironi (Founder, MEGA Art Fair); Shwetal A Patel (Writer & Researcher); Anders Petterson (Founder, ArtTactic); Bengi Ünsal (Director, ICA); and Roxane Zand (ZandFineArts Consultancy).
Ahead of the Summit, the Echoes of Migration programme will present its Public Art and Community Workshops in Lewisham, South London, addressing the limited cultural investment in the area by inviting three artists to transform public spaces into inclusive cultural landmarks that foster connection and belonging. As such, on 4 October 2025, Manor House Gardens will be reimagined through three site-specific installations. Serbian multidisciplinary artist Vladimir Lalić will unveil a dragonfly-inspired sculpture, a striking symbol of transformation, renewal, and resilience. British-Jamaican/Cuban artist Ryan Hawaii will present a reimagined park bench, integrating local landmarks, heritage references, and the flags of Lewisham’s diverse communities into a bold, multilayered artwork. The day also includes a hands-on workshop led by award-winning textile artist Alice Burnhope, inviting local residents to explore themes of identity and belonging through sustainable craft. The collaboratively created work will form part of a mobile installation, unveiled at RSA during the Summit before embarking on its journey to future venues. Echoes of Migration will extend its impact through an interactive Public Art Map and a digital Story Archive, ensuring that the voices and connections fostered by the programme remain accessible and relevant to wider audiences.
This pioneering initiative is led by Art Voyage, a non-profit UK-based migrant-led cultural platform founded by Tima Jam, an Iranian-born British curator and producer. Building on 20 years of experience through Blue Rhino Art Consultancy, Art Voyage aims to amplify underrepresented voices through a wide range of activities including exhibitions, summits, public art, residencies, and community programmes. The platform is grounded in values of equity, care, cultural exchange, and inclusive authorship, with a strong commitment to lasting cultural and social change. Art Voyage Biennial will officially launch in 2026, with its first edition taking place in London in 2027. Unlike conventional biennials, this initiative will relocate to a different global city every two years, encouraging new forms of cultural exchange and international collaboration. Future editions are already confirmed in Dubai, Dammam, Berlin, and Hong Kong, following an Olympic-style model to foster global exposure and creative transformation.
To celebrate the launch, Art Voyage is offering free Friend memberships until the end of August 2025, and 50% off until the end of September 2025. For full membership benefits and information about joining our exclusive Patrons Circle, visit: www.artvoyagebiennial.org.uk/join
Anyone can also support the Echoes of Migration project with a one-off donation, anonymous if preferred. Your support will help build the artist materials fund, create a digital storytelling archive, ensure summit accessibility and legacy, and develop workshops for local communities. Together, let’s celebrate migrant voices and create lasting cultural change: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-echoes-of-migration
Echoes of Migration: A Landmark Summit on Art, Migration, and Belonging.
Marking the launch of Art Voyage and announcing AV Biennial 2027
RSA House
8 John Adam St, London
WC2N 6EZ 10 October 2025
Images courtesy of RSA / Artist
The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. – Aristotle
