YORK Castle Museum has opened a new exhibit showcasing artwork created by asylum seekers during lockdown.

The charity Refugee Action York (RAY) has collaborated with the museum on a community exhibit focusing on the artwork of several asylum seekers who the Home Office housed in York.

RAY made contact with the artists during lockdown while the charity was distributing donations, clothes and phones, putting on English lessons, and helping people with their Asylum paperwork.

Carrie Wheater, chief executive of RAY, said: “Despite being traumatised by their journeys and anxious about their families and friends left behind, these men have produced some beautiful and moving artworks.

“We are so pleased they are getting the chance to share their talent and stories with visitors to York Castle Museum.”

RAY, founded in 2002, supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants from within and around the city with a safe place to rebuild their lives.

Philip Newton, communities engagement researcher at York Museums Trust, said: “The work RAY undertakes is vital, and so it’s great visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about how they support refugees and what the processes are for refugees entering the country today.

“It will be amazing to have large scale reproductions of the beautiful works on the walls for visitors to see in person.”

The isolation art exhibit is on display in the museum till Sunday, November 14, after only previously being able to be viewed digitally during the lockdown.

The exhibition is part of the general admission ticket price to York Castle Museum. To book, visit www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk.