Artist Vukašin Nedeljković and Gerry Callaghan of New Horizon Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support pictured at the event in the Luan Gallery last week. (Photos: Paola Bassanese)

PHOTOS: Luan Gallery holds event to welcome new members of community in Athlone

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On Wednesday last, the Luan Gallery, in collaboration with New Horizon Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support, hosted a community event to welcome, support and celebrate new members of the extended community in Athlone.

The gallery's current exhibition is entitled Breaking Borders, and one of the artists whose work is on display, Vukašin Nedeljković, chaired the gathering last week.

One of the attendees, Athlone resident and Italian native Paola Bassanese, said Mr Nedeljkovic's introductory talk was "humbling and inspiring," as he spoke about "his experience of living in direct provision and of interfacing with many different cultures, languages, stories and ethnicities.

"He also reminded us of the current Breaking Borders exhibition, curated by Valeria Ceregini to highlight the impact of geopolitics and inequalities on our society," she added.

The event included music performances by Athlone's South African choir, and by two Ukrainian artists, Tatiana and Anastasia.

New Horizon founder Gerry Callaghan also spoke about his work with refugees, with the aim of offering them hope for a better future.

The Breaking Borders exhibition at the Luan Gallery continues until Sunday, September 25.

Paola Bassanese shared these images with us from the event last week:

Vukašin Nedeljković and Paola Bassanese
Athlone's South African choir performing in the Luan Gallery.
Ukrainian artists Tatiana and Anastasia also performed at the event.
Adrian Cusack
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