A PHOTOGRAPHY exhibition highlighting the stories of refugees in Scotland and the impact of awaiting the right to work is set to take place at this year’s Refugee Festival Scotland.
Curated by Refugee Festival Scotland ambassador Sadia Sikandar, Unwritten Milestones: The Silent Talent Trapped in Limbo, will showcase seven black and white portraits, each depicting an untold story of both struggle and resilience.
The exhibition takes place in Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art from June 13 – 14 and will feature Sadia herself as she reflects on her own six-year experience in the asylum system.
“I endured inhumane conditions and trauma during those years. It felt like sacrificing my self-respect and honour,” she explained.
Sikandar added: “My aim with this exhibition is to reflect the individual journeys of asylum seekers and the profound impact of the UK asylum backlog on people’s mental health, really capturing the reality of those navigating a system that often leaves them in limbo.”
Despite being an award-winning teacher and international artist, Sikandar could not work while awaiting the resolution of her asylum case.
Instead, she has devoted herself to volunteering in the arts sector, in universities, and even advocating for asylum seekers' rights at the UK Parliament.
Unwritten Milestones aims to expose the continued hardships faced by asylum seekers and reflects on the missed opportunities and unfulfilled dreams of those trapped in the system while also offering them a platform to share their stories.
Sadia (below) collaborated with organisations such as Scottish Refugee Council and Together Reaching Higher to find participants whose stories would be featured, with each of the seven portraits telling a personal story.
“Photography and storytelling allow the community to open up in a unique and artistic way,” Sadia said.
“I hope it encourages the audience to think about how they can care for and welcome those who have been ignored.
“While others celebrate milestones, many asylum seekers cannot achieve their goals due to the limitations placed on them, so it’s also important for me to share my voice to raise awareness: Every asylum seeker should have the right to work.”
Sadia added that she hopes the exhibition serves not only as a call to action for policy reform but also as a bridge for understanding.
She said by facilitating connections among participants and offering them emotional support, she is creating a sense of community and empowerment.
“Many people involved in the project feel seen and heard for the first time,” Sadia said.
“This project gives them confidence, makes them feel less alone, and helps them find new connections.”
Refugee Festival Scotland is celebrating its 25th year of promoting and commemorating art, culture and community.
The festival also marks the 40th anniversary of the Scottish Refugee Council, a national charity which supports thousands of men, women and children every year as they rebuild their lives in Scotland.
Sadia is one of six Refugee Festival Scotland ambassadors, a group of spokespeople for the Festival, who share their experience to help build understanding about what it means to be a refugee in Scotland.
She is also shortlisted in the Refugee Festival Scotland Media Awards 2025.
The exhibition is a milestone in itself for Sadia and the participants – one unwritten, until now.
It is one of more than 150 events taking place across Scotland, most of which are free to attend, and involving artists and performers from more than 30 countries.
Unwritten Milestones: The Silent Talent Trapped in Limbo will also be available to view at Refuweegee on Saturday, June 21, in collaboration with Refuweegee, The Voice Network and Scottish Intercultural Association.
