Opening March 6 – May 1 2026 • Opening Reception: Friday, March 13, 6-9 PM

Refuge: The Courage to Witness

Refuge: The Courage to Witness is a multidisciplinary initiative that explores what keeps us disconnected from suffering and conflict and from recognizing the potential for healing and peace. Initiated by Hagit Barkai, Associate Professor of Art at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, in collaboration with the NUNU Art and Culture Collective, the project aims to connect global and local issues while fostering communication around personal and societal healing during times of conflict. It serves as a catalyst for growth, bridging the distance between global conflict, community concerns, and the transformative power of healing through art and dialogue.

The project includes a solo exhibition by visual artist Hagit Barkai, a group exhibition, creative panel discussions, and community conversations featuring performances, storytelling, ceremonies, and dialogues led by local artists, community leaders and trauma‑informed Collective Intelligence facilitators.

Key dates:

Saturday, March 7, 2 - 4 PM: Refuge In Dialogue: From Fear Of The Other to Curiously Meet, with Sami Parbhoo, Florette Orleans and Hagit Barkai, Facilitated by Yael Gronner

Friday, March 13, 6 - 9 PM: Exhibition Opening Event: with musical performance by Audrey Broussard; and Panel: Activism vs. Activation, with Yael Gronner, George Marks and Hagit Barkai.

Saturday, April 18, 2 - 4 PM: In Dialogue: Community Return

Refuge: The Courage to Witness is supported by the Acadiana Center for the Arts ArtSpark Grant, funded by the Lafayette Economic Development Authority and the National Endowment of the Arts.