Pinar Aksu
Pinar Aksu is a researcher at the University of Glasgow, a theatre maker and human rights campaigner. Pinar is currently a Research Associate with the 'Sustainable Desings for Living and Learning (SDLL): Embedding Multilingualism into Learning for Sustainability' research project.
Her PhD research explores ‘Art and Law in migration: using art practices for social change and access to Justice’. She is interested in finding connections between solidarity, art, justice, and the law. With a particular focus in creating welcoming communities through critical dialogue and understanding of one another. She presented her PhD findings in the form of a Legislative Theatre and is keen to explore possibilities of using the creativity for alternatives based on humanity.
Pinar has years of experience working with the third sector organisations as a human rights and advocacy coordinator. Leading, coordinating and implementing campaigns, and educational projects supporting people seeking asylum and refuge, promoting integration and human rights. These campaigns included Right to Vote in Scottish elections for refugees, Right to Work - Lift the Ban for people seeking asylum, Our Grades Not Visas- Access to Education for people seeking asylum, refugees and migrant students. One of the recent works included securing a 6-month national pilot scheme, #FreeBusTravel for people seeking in Scotland. Pinar continues to work with various communities across the UK and internationally with a focus on anti-racism, creating solidarity beyond borders, meaningful participation and ending detention.
Pinar is also involved in using theatre and creative methods to create social change. Being a 'Joker', Pinar facilitated and performance across the country using the Forum Theatre method.