A new model for refugee inclusion – art that tells stories and pays the bills

As Australia debates how to better integrate refugees, one settlement support program is quietly redefining what refugee support looks like by turning artistic talent into sustainable creative careers.

SSI’s Creative Compass program has seen participants sell more than $40,000 worth of artwork in less than 12 months through two unique exhibitions set up on easels in a busy Sydney CBD thoroughfare.

Participating artist Hosna Saif, 21, who came to Australia 12 months ago from Afghanistan, said Creative Compass had been an incredibly powerful part of her settlement experience.

"I still remember the first time I joined Creative Compass – it was just a few weeks after I arrived in Australia as a girl without hope, a girl once denied,” she said.

“When I met the SSI staff and the artists, it felt unreal. For the first time, someone valued me and my art. They gave us not only materials but encouragement, support, and hope. Since then, we’ve had exhibitions, workshops at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and collaborations with other arts organisations. I’ve also sold many of my artworks, something I once only dreamed of.

“Creative Compass became more than a place – it became a family. Through art I found connection, confidence, and myself again.” 

SSI General Manager Newcomers, Settlement and Integration Yamamah Agha said Creative Compass and the Beyond Borders exhibitions have been a huge success for the artists, proving settlement support comes in many forms.

“Not only have our refugee artists gained new skills, knowledge and connections through the program and exhibitions, they have proven they can augment their income in their new home by using their incredible creative talents,” Ms Agha said.

“The program really resonates with the new arrivals who participate, providing a comfortable settlement experience with other creatives they can relate to. To the artists, selling their pieces not only means economic independence; it means confidence, connections and a pathway to healing, integration and self-expression.” 

Creative Compass invests in the artistic careers of refugee artists by offering tailored mentorship, skills development and pathways into the Australia’s arts industry. It aims to build sustainable creative careers, foster social inclusion through events, and celebrate cultural identity.

More than 200 newly arrived artists have taken part in the program since its inception, with artists from countries including Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, Congo, Myanmar, Pakistan, Palestine, Iran and Iraq taking part.

Ms Agha said SSI was extremely grateful to Macquarie Group for providing a space at Martin Place Metro Station at 1 Elizabeth, Sydney, for both Beyond Borders exhibitions.

“Thousands of passersby use this thoroughfare during their busy work week, and the exhibition provided a chance for them to pause and reflect on the stories told through the artwork,” she said. 

“SSI is extremely proud of the 20 artists who have worked so hard on this project, and we congratulate them on the success of the exhibitions. We know this is just the start of their successful creative careers here in Australia and we can’t wait to hear what they achieve next.”

The unsold pieces displayed in the Beyond Borders exhibition can be viewed and purchased on the SSI website, where you can also find information on all the artists.