Highlighting Canada’s Talented Refugee Artists
In celebration of the wide variety of refugee artists living across Canada, our Creator Series profiles the individuals, their work, and their inspiration in creating unique artistic products. From authors and painters, designers and singers, these profiles examine how their lived refugee experiences have informed their practice and where (or how) you can further support their work.
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Heba Hamzeh’s life is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of art. Born a Palestinian refugee in Syria, Heba’s journey has been marked by displacement, loss, and relentless perseverance. Yet, through it all, she has channeled her experiences into artistic expression and advocacy, creating a bridge between her past and present while inspiring others along the way.
Growing up in Syria, Heba’s childhood was fraught with challenges. As a Palestinian refugee, she faced systemic discrimination and limited opportunities. Despite these hurdles, she discovered a passion for storytelling at a young age, writing short stories and participating in traditional Palestinian song competitions. These early forays into creative expression became a sanctuary for her amidst the turbulence of her surroundings.
The Impact of the Syrian War
The outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011 profoundly changed Heba’s life. Displaced from her home and grappling with the loss of her father, Heba found solace and purpose in helping others. At seventeen, she began volunteering to support internally displaced persons in Damascus. This work, coupled with her studies in Economics and Accounting at Damascus University, ignited her interest in politics and social issues, steering her toward advocacy.
New Opportunities in Canada
In 2022, Heba’s journey took another significant turn when she moved to Canada on a scholarship to study International Public Policy at the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA). Canada presented new opportunities and challenges, but Heba embraced them with resilience. Engaging with local theater and writing communities, she contributed to initiatives like the Youth Empowerment Arts (YEA), where she honed her skills in monologue writing and basic acting. Her performance, “A Household Intersectionality,” which highlighted the struggles of immigrant transgender individuals, exemplified her belief in the power of art as a subtle yet impactful advocacy tool.
Integrating Arts and Advocacy
Now, with a master’s degree and a focus on global migration, Heba dedicates her efforts to supporting newcomers in Canada. Her journey illustrates the profound impact of integrating arts into advocacy, teaching, and enriching host communities with the diverse experiences of marginalized groups. Heba’s work embodies a commitment to leveraging personal adversity for broader social change, advocating for the rights and potentials of refugees and immigrants across the globe.
Advice to Fellow Refugees
Heba’s advice to fellow refugees draws deeply from her own experiences.
“Communicate with one another. Each refugee’s journey is unique, offering valuable lessons and coping strategies. Engage in your host communities; share your knowledge, skills, and perspectives. This mutual learning and advocacy will not only aid in personal growth but also enrich the communities we become part of.”
Artistic Expression and Future Aspirations
Her artistic journey, under the pseudonym Habo H.S., serves as both a personal catharsis and a public platform. Heba’s monologues and stories reflect her resilience and the resilience of those she represents. They are narratives of struggle, hope, and the enduring quest for identity and belonging. Heba continues to explore her creative side, aiming to write a memoir and connect with other immigrant artists like Marina Nemat, whose works inspire her to transform her lived experiences into powerful stories.
Current and Future Endeavors
As Heba prepares for future endeavors, her focus remains on research and policy advocacy, aiming to influence and inform on matters of global migration and refugee rights. Her role as a research associate at both Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo allows her to contribute to significant projects that address issues faced by immigrants and refugees in Canada.
Heba Hamzeh’s story is not just one of survival but of thriving against the odds. Her life’s work in art and advocacy exemplifies the profound impact of using personal narratives to foster understanding and drive social change. Heba’s journey continues to inspire many, proving that with resilience and creativity, one can turn even the most challenging circumstances into powerful platforms for change.
Stay tuned for more creator highlights to come!