Roots & Routes

Join us for a powerful and transformative event celebrating the resilience and strength of those who have faced displacement and found belonging. This immersive experience brings together visual art, comedy, music, and food to highlight shared roots and uplift the narratives of refugees and immigrants.

? Highlights:

Gallery Viewing: Explore Dima Zaghal's interactive exhibit in which she takes us through personal recollections and material consciousness surrounding Palestinian identity. And immerse yourself in the standing exhibit by the Abrahamic Center, showcasing the interconnectedness of faith, with an emphasis on Islam.

Artist Talk: You'll have an opportunity to talk with Dima Zaghal about her art and the essence of her work.

Interactive Activities: Throughout the event, you will have the opportunity to engage in activities that allow you to reflect on what it means to be displaced and the journey toward belonging.

Performances: Enjoy live comedy, music, spoken-word poetry, and storytelling that highlight themes of belonging.

-Spoken Word Poets:

• Shivani Gupta
• Liz

-Comedian

• Zaid Fouzi

-Musicians

• ADE

Food & Drink: Savor delicious food and drinks inspired by global cuisines.

Auction & Raffles: You can bid for incredible artwork and experiences, including a portrait experience by Bradford Rennaisance Portraits.

Invest in a Dream: We believe dreams are powerful at Finding Refuge. Our residents choose to dream boldly despite the challenges they face. You'll have the opportunity to invest in our residents' dreams ranging from becoming a professional soccer player to saving lives as a nurse to reuniting with lost family members.

All proceeds from this event will go toward Finding Refuge. We support refugees on their journey to healing and recovery post-displacement by providing dignified housing and pathways to self-sufficiency. We envision a tomorrow where people build successful futures undeterred by displacement. Our unique approach:

• Community-Led Program Design: Our programs are designed and implemented by individuals with lived experience as refugees, ensuring that the needs of their communities are accurately reflected and met.
• Innovative Housing Solutions: We break traditional models of housing for unhoused communities by investing in sustainable solutions that facilitate the transition to independent living.
• Fostering Belonging and Cultural Exchange: We cultivate communities that center on belonging while encouraging cultural exchange among people from diverse backgrounds.

Join us in creating a future where everyone, regardless of their past, can find a place to call home and a community where they belong.

Event Program & Ticket Tiers

4:30-5:00PM : Open Gallery viewing+ Social Hour+ Interactive Activities+ Food & Drinks

5:00-5:30PM Conversation with Dima Zaghal

5:30PM-7:30PM: Introduction of Finding Refuge, Performances, Fundraising, & Auction

Tier 1 Tickets: $5-$20 for Open Gallery Viewing & Social Hour only

Tier 2 Tickets: $25-$75 for Open Gallery Viewing & Social Hour, Musical, Comedy, and Spoken Word Performances & Auction

This event is in partnership with The Abrahamic Center of Chicago.

Host or Publisher Finding Refuge GR