Shared Stories Art Expo 2026

Shared Stories Art Expo Hume 2026

BRIDGING DIVIDES THROUGH BRUSHSTROKES: TAWASUL FOUNDATION’S ‘OUR SHARED CANVAS’ ART EXPO CELEBRATES HARMONY AND RESILIENCE

MELBOURNE, VIC — To coincide with International Refugee Week, St. George’s Hall was transformed into a vibrant sanctuary of storytelling, culture, and connection. On Sunday, 21st June 2026, Tawasul Foundation proudly presented Our Shared Canvas: Shared Stories Art Expo 2026. Delivered in proud partnership with the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC), this exhibition served as a public declaration of the vital contributions refugee, migrant, and local artists make to Australia’s cultural landscape.

Art as Anti-Racism: Delivering the LARI Message

Supported by the Victorian Government’s LARI Program 2024-26, the core mission of Our Shared Canvas was to tackle prejudice not through political debate, but through the undeniable power of human presence.

By taking the walls and owning their own narratives, artists disarmed stereotypes. This initiative perfectly aligns with the LARI program’s mandate: dismantling systemic barriers, fostering local harmony, and celebrating the diverse voices that enrich our collective Australian identity.

“This is anti-racism work. Not through argument, but through presence. When someone stands in front of a painting, reads an artist’s story card, and sees the truth of their lived experience—barriers naturally come down. That is the work. That is the point.”

— N. Hozaya, co-founder @ Tawasul Foundation

A Tapestry of Diverse Voices

Selected through a fair and open Expression of Interest (EOI) process on the official Tawasul Anti-Racism Website, the featured artists represented an extraordinary mosaic of backgrounds. Works on display featured creators from:

  • Australian Veterans
  • Iraq
  • Syria
  • Ukraine
  • Jordan

The exhibition spanned various visual mediums, including emotive paintings, handcrafted mosaic, intricate drawings, and mixed media. Pieces were curated under deeply moving thematic categories: Life Through Lenses, Freedom, Testimony Art, and Moments of Resilience.

“Your Voice, Next to Your Work”

A central pillar of the exhibition was the inclusion of Story Cards placed beside every art piece. Each artist was given a platform to answer a vital question in their own words:

“How does your art contribute to Australian culture and values?”

These cards ensured that every visitor walked away with a profound understanding of the dedication, craft, and unique perspective each artist adds to the fabric of this country. To prepare for this, selected artists attended a dedicated workshop in late May to refine their statements and prepare for the public showcase.

A United Community: Dignitaries and Supporters

The opening of Our Shared Canvas was celebrated by a diverse crowd of community pillars, including local politicians, faith leaders, and crucial community organisations.

Tawasul extends its deepest gratitude to our local business and organisational supporters who joined us in championing this event:

  • Craigieburn War Memorial Committee
  • Workskil Australia
  • Australian Muslim Women Centre for Human Rights
  • UTA IT RTO
  • Harmony Care NDIS

Their presence and ongoing advocacy reinforce the business and community sector’s commitment to multicultural inclusion and anti-racism.

A Fair Go: 100% Zero Commission

True to Tawasul’s foundational values of equity and “a fair go,” the exhibition operated on a strictly zero-commission model. Every dollar generated from art sales went directly to the artists, ensuring their creative labor was fully and directly rewarded.

About Tawasul Foundation

The Tawasul Foundation is dedicated to promoting social cohesion, and empowering migrant and refugee communities across Victoria. Through creative initiatives, grass-roots advocacy, and strong governmental partnerships, Tawasul works to ensure every individual regardless of background has a safe platform to share their story.

For media inquiries, interviews with the artists, or high-resolution event imagery, please contact: