Standing Tall Scotland and Guardianship Scotland will unveil two powerful new public artworks in Glasgow and Aberdeen, created by young people from displaced backgrounds.

These striking murals will be unveiled in June as part of the festival and will remain on public display throughout the month, offering communities an insight into young voices expressed through vibrant, meaningful art. 

The project, led by mural artist Ursula Kam-Ling Cheng, has brought together young people supported by Standing Tall Scotland and Guardianship Scotland to design and create murals that reflect themes of resilience, hope, and belonging. Over the past few months, participants have been working together with a team of professional artists to explore their own creativity and cultural identities. 

The murals will be available to view at The Music Hall, Union Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1QS from 1 June until the end of July and SWG3 Yardworks, 100 Eastvale Place, Glasgow, G3 8QG will be exhibited from 21 June.  Once on display, they will offer visitors a chance to pause, reflect and connect with the experiences of unaccompanied young people building new lives in Scotland. 

Victoria Beesley, Director of Standing Tall Scotland, said:

“These murals show how talented and diligent the young people are. Many of them have experienced, and are still in the midst of, very challenging situations but we hope these murals celebrate the resilience and brilliance they bring to the world.”

Artist Ursula Kam-Ling Cheng, said:

“Seeing participants create uplifting and positive artworks has been really powerful and the murals contain lots of symbols of love, hope, and aspirations. When I asked participants what they thought the mural should represent they said it’s all about coming together to make friends.”

One of the project’s young participants, added: “I like being part of this group. I like to come and paint and spend time with my friends. I feel very happy when I come here. I hope people feel happy when they see the work we have made.”

Refugee Festival Scotland 2025 is made possible with support from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Glasgow City Heritage Trust, and Flutter UKIs Cash4Clubs programme (delivered in partnership with Sported). Many thanks to all our generous funders.