Floating Together
A bold public artwork reflecting on solidarity, community and courage, by artist Malak Mattar in collaboration with young people from Ukraine and Greece.
Responding to the Refugee Week 2026 theme of ‘courage’, and the Choose Love and Creative Visions themes ‘unique and united’, the commission is a bold public artwork inviting reflection on solidarity, community and courage, designed by artist Malak Mattar in collaboration with young people from Ukraine and Greece.
‘Growing up by the sea in Gaza, summer meant long days at the beach and the excitement of new colourful swimming floats that marked our journey from childhood to adulthood. Swan and turtle-shaped floats became symbols of joy and childhood. Over time, the meaning of the sea changed. As life under blockade became difficult, many young people began crossing the sea in search of a better life. Some reached new shores, while others were lost along the way.
‘The installation reflects both memories of my childhood and the realities of displacement. Inspired by swimming floats, the work is large, playful and illuminated with vibrant light, especially at night, honouring the many refugee journeys made in darkness, while sending a message that refugees are seen, welcomed and cared for.
‘The patterns featured on the floats are created in collaboration with young people from Ukraine and Greece, alongside drawings by children from Gaza, expressing family life, flowers, dreams, love and unity.’ (Mattar describing Floating Together)
This event sits at the heart of Refugee Week during our 75th anniversary year, and is presented in partnership with Counterpoints Arts and Choose Love.
Need to know
Times & tickets
Dates, times and prices
Dates & times
16 Jul – 21 Sep 2026
Standard entry
Free – no ticket required
Concessions
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Refunds and exchanges
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For your visit
This event is held at the Riverside Terrace Southbank Centre
The Riverside Terrace is open all day, every day*.
*If you’re attending an event on our Riverside Terrace, check the event listing for start and finish times.
Plan your visit
The Riverside Terrace is an outdoor space overlooking the River Thames, on Royal Festival Hall, Level 2.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
Through the glass from Riverside Terrace on Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen.
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.