Personal milestones of Ukrainian refugees shared at Pier Arts Centre

Milestones: A Journey in Colour 

An exhibition of artwork and personal stories by Ukrainian refugees in Orkney.

Artwork and stories put together by Ukrainian refugees living in Orkney - reflecting deeply personal journeys of healing and life in a new country – will go on show at the Pier Arts Centre in Stromness from Friday 13 June 2025. 
 
The exhibition, timed to coincide with this year’s Refugee Festival Scotland (13–22 June 2025), is part of Orkney Islands Council’s work to support Ukrainian refugees as they start a new life in the county, with the Pier Arts Centre kindly hosting the event from 13 to 23 June 2025 
 
After fleeing the devastation of war in their homeland, eight Ukrainian refugees resettling in Orkney took up the chance to embark on a creative journey of healing and self-expression, with the help of Nataliia Kuzmina, Project Manager (Resettlement Schemes) for the Council. 
 
Day to day, Nataliia supports Ukrainian refugees to transition smoothly into a new life in Orkney, working with them at home and in the community to build independence. Key to this is putting in place suitable housing (which may include local host families), schooling, language learning, as well as social and employability support. 
 
Nataliia said: “As part of social support we’ve held regular art sessions over the past year which have provided not only an outlet for creativity but also a space to process trauma, find connection, and rebuild a sense of belonging. 
 
“This exhibition brings together some of those artworks and personal stories, reflecting moments of resilience and growth amidst adversity.  
 
“Each artwork or written piece marks a significant milestone – whether it’s the courage of picking up a paintbrush for the first time, speaking a new language, or reconnecting with a formerly distant sense of home.  
 
“Other pieces reflect on grief, memories of a lost life, and the quiet victories of making a new home in an unfamiliar place.” 
 
Gwenda Shearer is Chair of the Council’s Education and Leisure Committee. 
 
“Through this exhibition we’re all invited to step into the lived experiences of those who have been forced to rebuild their lives in the wake of war.  
 
“Each milestone reflected in the art and stories is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of loss and uncertainty – and to the determination of the Orkney community and the Council to help these refugees find peace and happiness in their new home.” 
 
Isla Holloway, Pier Arts Centre’s Marketing and Customer Services Manager, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to show these very thoughtful works and texts by such an inspiring group of brave women.  
 
“Back in 2019, we hosted a Ukrainian artist through the British Council’s SWAP residency programme. Oleksandra Kadzevych from Odesa spent a month in Orkney, and we are pleased to have acquired some of her work for our Collection.  
 
“It’s lovely to support this creative group by displaying their artworks and sharing their stories.” 
 
The Pier Arts Centre is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am-5pm all year. For additional opening times see website www.pierartscentre.com 

View details of the exhibition on the Pier Arts Centre website www.pierartscentre.com 
 
The Pier Arts Centre in Stromness was founded in 1979 to house a collection of British fine art donated to the people of Orkney by philanthropist Margaret Gardiner (1904-2005). The collection includes works by major 20th Century artists Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson amongst others, as well as local artists such as Sylvia Wishart and Stanley Cursiter and contemporary artists Jim Lambie and Katy Dove. 
 
As well as the Permanent collection, the Centre also curates a year-round programme of changing exhibitions and events.  
 
The Pier Arts Centre receives Multi-year Funding from Creative Scotland.  This supports the organisation to play an important role within the visual arts in Orkney, hosting a programme of local, national and international exhibitions and events, providing more people with the opportunity to engage with art of the highest quality. The Pier Arts Centre’s entire collection is a Recognised Collection of National Significance to Scotland.