A collection of community art will be on display at Forth Valley Royal Hospital as part of a 4-week exhibition celebrating the rich diversity of Central Scotland communities.

The exhibition, organised by the Central Scotland Regional Equality Council (CSREC) in partnership with Artlink Central, features open letters from organisations that not only support the rights of refugees and racial minorities but also celebrate their contribution to local life. It also includes bookbinding work exploring themes of displacement, travel, and roots, alongside community responses to the theme “Words of Welcome.”

CSREC Chairperson, Paul, said: CSREC has long been an organisation committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of racial minorities. This exhibition showcases the strength of our communities and shines a light on the experiences and contributions of people from diverse backgrounds.

Supported by Artlink Central, who coordinate NHS Forth Valley’s arts programme, the exhibition was curated in response to themes of diversity strengthening communities, the value of cultural inclusion, and the importance of working in partnership to create safe, inclusive environments for all. It is featured during Refugee Week highlighting the importance of visibility at a time of growing tensions within communities.

Refugee Week is observed annually, and this year it explores the theme of courage.

Arts Coordinator for Artlink Central, Silvia Sinibaldi added: “At Artlink Central, we believe in the power of art to open up space for stories that might otherwise go unheard. Co-curating Words of Welcome with CSREC has been a privilege – bringing together creative voices to reflect on experiences of refuge, welcome and belonging in a setting where those themes feel especially resonant. Refugee Week is a vital moment to amplify those voices, and we’re proud to have played a part in making that possible.

CSREC is encouraging local residents and visitors across Central Scotland to reflect on the exhibition and consider what they can do, individually and collectively, to help make the region a more welcoming place for all. You can find out more about refugee week here.