The refugee design competition
People who become refugees do so with talent, skills and creativity that are too often overlooked during years of fighting for a new future. So we started looking for new ways to celebrate and amplify refugee talent.
In early 2021 we started the Refugee Design Competition.
The suggested theme was ‘hopes and dreams’ and the canvas was clothing. Our first competition in Spring 2021 attracted 45 entries from diverse artists - female and male, aged 17 to 60’s, from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Iraq, Sudan, Syria and more. Each now living somewhere in Europe.
During the two week public vote more than 300 votes were cast and the winner decided!
“Caring” was by 17-year old Mahbube from Afghanistan now living with her family in Athens. Mahbube received her cash prize immediately whilst her emotive design was available to buy from our online shop from two weeks’ later. Mahbube was so happy and proud! You can see more of Mahbube’s art on Instagram at instagram.com/mahbube_ebrahimi_/.
Mahbube working on “Caring”
Confidence boosted by the success of our first competition - albeit with many learnings for us - we launched the Winter Design Competition with excitement.
Once again, were blown away by the response! This time 17 incredible artists submitted 24 art works. During the week long public vote more than 400 votes were cast choosing "“Hope” by 28-year old Zakaria from Syria-Palestine.
Our third winner was refugee artist, Salam Noah from Kurdish Iraq now living in France. His winning design “Stop the War” attracted over 800 votes.
B__Zaii is our fourth winner with “Girls Supporting Girls”. All our Refugee Art designs are exclusively available on our eco friendly teemill online store. If you have any questions, you can contact us.
We know that whichever design catches your eye, you’re going to love your newest wardrobe addition!
“Hope” by Zakaria