Atong Atem: Three Women in Martin Place

Australia for UNHCR has partnered with acclaimed artist Atong Atem to bring her photographic work Three Women into the heart of Sydney – reimagined as a giant, publicly accessible installation for World Refugee Week.

The idea behind this collaboration is simple: to use art to tell a different kind of refugee story. Through this project, Atong Atem and Australia for UNHCR invite the public to reflect on who gets to be seen, who gets to belong, and what it truly means to welcome someone.

“I hope that when people see the collaboration between myself and UNHCR, that in some small way they’re able to challenge the idea of what a good or deserving refugee is,” says Ms Atem.

The women in the portrait reflect a shared history with Ms Atem’s own story – her family becoming refugees when she was a child. Today, she is a celebrated artist who has exhibited at major galleries across Australia and internationally.

Three Women will be on display in Martin Place (between Elizabeth and Phillip Streets) from 19–27 June. A small on-site engagement space will be staffed by Australia for UNHCR, where visitors can leave a message of support for refugees, speak with team members, and purchase a limited-edition tote bag featuring Atong Atem’s artwork, with all proceeds supporting displaced communities.