"Open Doors: The Wedge Project" is a travelling art installation that symbolises pathways to safety, opportunities, and new beginnings for refugees. The wedge acts as a universal emblem of resilience and compassion, representing the importance of keeping doors open for those seeking sanctuary.

In a time of unprecedented global displacement, the project seeks to raise awareness of the struggles faced by refugees and inspire collective action. The wedge was installed in three significant locations across London, Sheffield, and Glasgow, each chosen for their relevance to refugee experiences and community support. By placing the wedge in these spaces, the installation transforms public areas into platforms for advocacy, dialogue, and hope.

The wedge was meticulously crafted to balance symbolism and practicality. Constructed from marine plywood for its strength and adaptability, the edges were mitred and pinned to a softwood carcass for durability. Its smooth surface was achieved through sanding, priming, and painting, resulting in a polished finish that ensured both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Six castors were added for mobility, allowing the wedge to move seamlessly between locations, with a subtle 5mm shadow gap for visual depth.

The journey itself involved considerable logistical challenges. Transporting the wedge across multiple cities required careful planning, improvisation, and risk-taking. Operating under the mantra "it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission," permissions were not always sought ahead of time, which added an element of spontaneity and resilience to the project. From loading and unloading the wedge to navigating busy public spaces, every step of the process highlighted the physical and symbolic challenges of bringing an artwork of this scale and meaning into public view.

The wedge is a universal symbol of keeping doors open—physically, metaphorically, and politically. Its placement at key locations invites reflection on the barriers faced by refugees and the collective responsibility to create pathways to safety and belonging.

The wedge’s transportable design mirrors the journeys undertaken by refugees in their search for sanctuary. By situating the wedge in spaces connected to transition and integration, the project transforms ordinary locations into symbols of resilience, community, and hope. Its presence encourages viewers to reflect on the shared responsibility of fostering inclusion and support in an increasingly divided world.

"Open Doors: The Wedge Project" draws inspiration from socially engaged art practices that focus on displacement, resilience, and advocacy. It aligns with the works of Doris Salcedo, who explores themes of loss and migration through installations like Shibboleth, and Suzanne Lacy, known for her collaborative public art projects addressing social justice issues.

The project also echoes Monica Bonvicini’s exploration of power dynamics in public spaces, using sculptural interventions to provoke reflection and dialogue. By collaborating with Safe Passage International and engaging refugee communities, the project amplifies marginalised voices and situates itself within contemporary discourses on sanctuary and solidarity.

The wedge’s placement in politically and culturally significant locations—such as the Houses of Parliament, Kenmure Street, and Glasgow Central Mosque—emphasises its relevance in connecting art, policy, and public advocacy. With its planned expansion across Europe, the project continues to build momentum, fostering ongoing conversations about the role of art in creating a more inclusive and compassionate world.