Searching for Sanctuary Tours

Uncover the remarkable story found at the heart of the Library’s newest exhibition, Searching for Sanctuary: A journey of survival by Barat Ali Batoor in our volunteer-led tours.

Explore Batoor’s personal photography, see the physical items he carried on his journey and immerse yourself in his story.

Book your tickets now.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibition themselves after the tour ends.

About Searching for Sanctuary: A journey of survival by Barat Ali Batoor

Experience the untold story of an asylum seeker overcoming unthinkable odds.

Double Walkley Award winning documentary photographer Barat Ali Batoor takes us beyond the headlines to reveal his personal journey as a Hazara asylum seeker.

After publishing a piece in The Washington Post exposing child exploitation in his homeland of Afghanistan, Batoor became the target of death threats. Forced to flee his country, he began a perilous life in exile – but he never stopped taking photos.

From Pakistan and Thailand to Indonesia and Australia, Batoor spent one year enduring the impossible while capturing the untold stories of what it means to be an asylum seeker. Witness Batoor’s poignant, life-affirming documentation of searching for sanctuary.

By registering to attend or purchasing a ticket to a State Library Victoria event, you agree to our Conditions of Entry.

Host or Publisher State Library Victoria