Polaris 14

Polaris 14 is a non-profit organisation working to improve the reception and integration conditions of refugees in France. Founded in 2018, under the name « Light Towards Future » and then « Association LTF » it will become Polaris 14 in September 2023. Polaris stands for “POur l’Accueil des Réfugiés et leur Insertion Socioprofessionnelle” (For the Reception of Refugees…

Melissa Network

Melissa Network of Migrant Women in Greece was envisioned as an open beehive of communication, creativity and exchange and was founded in 2014 with the participation of migrant and refugee women leaders. Based in Athens, it provides a safe space of support, learning and creativity, promoting women’s rights, advocacy, integration and active citizenship. It supports…

Illustration of a right foot and clouds shapes made by starling birds flying over a sunset horizon. Title reads "On the move: troubling categories of (im)mobility". Text with categories all over the illustration is associated to birds with small arrows pointing at them. Colours black, grey, and blue over cream white background. Illustration signed by Juanchila, 30 January 2025.

On the move: Troubling categories of (im)mobility

« On the move: Troubling categories of (im)mobility » is inspired from conversations within the GRABS project team, and the horrific, yet hopeful, sight of bird nests built on top of razor wire fences at the entrance of Calais, France. After the original illustration, I made a composite with a long list of these troubling categories and their definitions using various glossaries, encyclopedias, and dictionaries. Finally, I wrote a short commentary piece to accompany the illustration.

montage figure showing: 1. background: black and white map of bergerac, france. a straight diagonal dotted line crosses the top of map from left to right. 2. foreground: an unravelling green spiral cord wrap with a coloured worldmap printed on it

Balls of yarn

What are the trajectories of those who migrate? What are they like? I was recently asked to contribute my reflections for an arts-based and creative workshop on migrants’ trajectories focusing on the themes of work, family, and housing. I wrote about this influenced by my position and experiences as a male Latino-white, South American with…