Co-founded in 2016 by senior student Alyssa Skites and a group of high school students, including Marta Marcos and Maria Marqués, the annual fundraising event of the American School of Barcelona, RefugArt, raises awareness and essential funds for refugee relief efforts worldwide through a collaboration with UNHCR, involving the entire school community, from a full day of activities with a guided museum to a culminating evening event with a live and silent auction.

Congratulations to the RefugArt 2023 executive committee (Elena, Mimi, Damla, Emma, Lena, Lea, Sophia, and Clara), who worked for months ahead of the event under the leadership of Head of Community Service, Ms. Marta Vernet.

Recognition also to faculty members who supported and ensured a flawless event (art faculty Ms. Ana, Ms. Hannah C., Ms. Isabel, and Ms. Sam; Ms. Alicia, Mr. Javi, Ms. Valentina, and Mr. Volchok).

We are incredibly grateful to the artists and families who donated beautiful artworks, to all our student volunteers, and to our generous sponsors, Grupo TragaLuz, Pepsico, Raventós y Blanc, and Farina&Sons. Senior Zach Freer was an impressive live auctioneer.

We were honored to have parent and professional harpist Ms. Sara Bertucelli play for us during the silent auction part of the evening.

Our talented student musicians, Jan and Carson, and MS Choir, led by Ms. Jennifer, also performed during the event.

Finally, we acknowledge the UNHCR team, Elisa Vittone and Xavier Miranda, President of the Catalan Committee, for their support, and thank refugee speakers Tateh Lebhib, Gloria Beltrán, and Samba Doucoure for sharing their inspiring experiences with our community.

RefugArt 2023 was again and enormous success in raising awareness of the plight of refugees. We are very grateful to our community of generous donors who contributed funds to a total of €12,320 raised for UNHCR.