Free 'global voices' anthology released to coincide with World Refugee Day

A digital collection of "global voices" will launch to coincide with World Refugee Day (20th June 2020).

Commissioned by Counterpoints Arts for Refugee week, the Imagine Anthology is a collaboration between Counterpoints Arts, publishing consultant Jessica Jackson, who edited the anthology, creative agency Visual Editions and Nina Jua Klein Studio. 

The anthology will be available as a free e-book on 15th June, ahead of World Refugee Day. 

Imagine features a compilation of non-fiction, flash fiction, poetry and essays written by writers such as Mohsin Hamid, Edmund de Waal, Dina Nayeri and Rupi Kaur. These writers are joined by emerging writers from refugee backgrounds including the former Young People’s Laureate for London Momtaza Mehri.

Authors have been asked to explore one thing they would most like to change about humanity's future, to consider "making the invisible visible". Themes address global issues such as open borders, hunger, power and shame, as well as reflecting on how everyday things such as taekwondo, beekeeping or a front door key have the potential to be life-changing.

Erica Wagner, who has written an introduction to the anthology, said: "Imagine is a striking anthology of voices showcasing the creativity, resourcefulness and resilience of refugees, a demonstration of the value of breaking down the borders between us. I’m delighted to be involved with this project, which shows how lives can be changed by positive action and by generosity of spirit – needed now more than ever." 

Visual Editions commented: "We’re so happy to have played a part in the creation of the digital home for the Imagine Anthology as part of Refugee Week for Counterpoints Arts this year. Pairing our friends Jessica Jackson and Nina Jua Klein, who we’ve worked with for many years and adore, around the idea to empower and inspire people by what isn’t immediately visible to them, the Imagine Anthology finds itself a beautiful and important home."

The Imagine Anthology is accompanied by a mini podcast series with Damian Barr and his Literary Salon Podcast during the week of 15th June, as well as a digital launch event, hosted by Refugee Week, on 17th June at 7 p.m. featuring a panel of contributing writers including Erica Wagner and Dina Nayeri.