'The Refugee Nation,' a non-profit project supported by Amnesty International, has created a flag and anthem in support of the refugee team currently competing in the Rio Summer Olympic Games. While the refugee team entered during the opening ceremonies carrying a flag with the Olympic rings, the new flag and anthem give people ousted from their places of birth a new and alternative identity.
The anthem was composed by Moutaz Arian, a Syrian refugee who fled to Istanbul, Turkey. The composition has been recorded with a chorus of string instruments and has no lyrics.
The flag was designed by another Syrian refugee, Yara Said. The minimalist design depicts a black stripe horizontally crossing an orange background. Said chose these colors and that layout as a visual reference to the orange life-jackets that refugees wear when being rescued from bodies of water.
What's Driving This Trend
- Refugee Branding
- Creating unique branding elements for refugee organizations to promote their cause and identity.
- Alternative Identity
- Developing new and alternative identities for displaced individuals to foster a sense of belonging and representation.
- Artistic Expression
- Utilizing art and music as a means of communication and empowerment for refugees.
Who This Affects Most
- Non-profit
- Exploring opportunities for non-profit organizations to support refugees through branding and artistic initiatives.
- Design
- Collaborating with designers to create meaningful visual representations that advocate for refugee rights.
- Music
- Engaging musicians and composers to create anthems and soundtracks that capture the experiences and emotions of displaced individuals.
