Visitors to VODA are being invited to take a few extra minutes to explore Asylum: A Long and Painful Process, a powerful photography exhibition by Walking With, North Tyneside.
Created by artist Sadia Sikandar, who is herself a refugee, alongside the charity’s campaigning group, the exhibition combines striking images with personal accounts from people seeking sanctuary in the North East.
The exhibition asks an important question: how long do those seeking sanctuary in the UK wait for the Home Office decision that will determine their future?
While many might assume the answer is months, for some it can be years. Through photography and first-hand testimony, the exhibition highlights the uncertainty, challenges and resilience of people navigating the asylum system while waiting for decisions about their future.
The images and stories encourage viewers to look beyond the headlines and reflect on the human experiences behind asylum claims.
Asylum: A Long and Painful Process is on display at VODA until 4 August 2026. If you’re visiting us over the coming weeks, why not take a few extra minutes to view the exhibition and share your thoughts in the visitor book?
We are grateful to Walking With for the opportunity to host this thought-provoking exhibition.
