Facilitated discussion by Birmingham Rep on how theatre can support the wellbeing of refugees and people seeking sanctuary, within the BEDLAM Arts & Mental Health Symposium.
Birmingham Rep are leading a discussion on Theatre, Sanctuary and Wellbeing at the Midlands Arts Centre on Saturday 7 November, as part of the BEDLAM Arts & Mental Health Symposium. The session runs for an hour, with the discussion itself starting at 11:15am.
BEDLAM is an arts and mental health festival run as a partnership between Sampad, Birmingham Rep and MAC, bringing together artists, practitioners, communities and mental health professionals to look at how creativity can support wellbeing, resilience and connection. The 2026 edition centres on artist wellbeing and on 'Theatre of Sanctuary', a practice that creates safe, supportive spaces for artists and audiences. The Rep's session draws on its own Theatre of Sanctuary work and wider UK practice to ask how theatre can support the wellbeing of refugees and people seeking sanctuary, and it opens up the room for reflection, evaluation and the sharing of practice with insights from other Theatre of Sanctuary organisations across the country.
The discussion sits within a wider symposium of talks, workshops and performances running across two days, so it's one part of a larger programme rather than a standalone event. If you're interested in how the arts can be used to support people in difficult circumstances, it's a good place to start.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Birmingham and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
It's on Saturday 7 November at the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, with the discussion beginning at 11:15am and lasting an hour. Tickets are Pay What You Choose.
