REFUGEE. The word is a political pinball. But beneath the rhetoric and scaremongering are humans who are often contributing positively to our city.

Individuals like Amang Kamil, a professional visual artist since 1987, who fled his native land and sought asylum here. While that decision is pending, Kamil is making plans to study further at MMU's art school. That's just one of many intriguing, ongoing, stories from the refugee communities.

Exodus is a three-year strand of activity set up by the Greater Manchester Refugee Arts Partnership, and convened by Community Arts North West (Tib St). Exodus is aimed at highlighting the positive side to refugees via art. It launched properly this spring and on Saturday (June 18) it stages a one-day festival in Hulme.

"It's about developing sustainable art projects with refugees," summarises Erin McNeaney, Coordinator of Exodus. The multi-disciplinary festival (largely music, dance and performance on this particular occasion) is a highpoint of National Refugee Week (20-26 June) which art venues are embracing.

Other highlights include Exodus Shorts -a night of refugee artist's films at Cornerhouse (6pm, 21 June); A Small World in Salford at Salford Art Gallery (1pm-5pm, 25 June) including refugee's art workshops, exhibitions and performance; and Ordsall Park Festival (11am-3pm, 25 June) including art by refugee communities.

Exodus Shorts include a remarkable strand called Digital Diaries which regard refugees who are all facing deportation.

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