Human Libraries in Seville: An Invitation to Listen to Migrant Experiences
The Human Libraries in Seville return this Thursday, 9th July, with a new edition of the activity “Migrant Experiences: Every Person is a Great Story”. This initiative invites us to pause, listen, and learn first-hand about the lives of migrants. The event will take place from 8:30 pm onwards in the Alameda de Hércules, offering a space open to dialogue, empathy, and reflection through unique stories and testimonies.
This activity is part of the project “Derecho a Soñar (Right to Dream) Phase II: Fostering critical awareness alongside people with migrant experiences for a global citizenship”, funded by the Andalusian Agency for International Development Cooperation (AACID). Its goal is to promote a more committed and conscious citizenship, encouraging encounters between people from different backgrounds to combat the stereotypes and prejudices that still surround the reality of migration.
A Week of Togetherness Culminating in a Human Library
Over the last few days, people of various nationalities have shared experiences, insights, and moments of community life at the Colegio Claret in Seville. To conclude this collective journey, the group is organising a new edition of the Human Library—a concept that turns individuals into “living books” ready to share their stories with anyone willing to listen.
Each conversation offers an opportunity to discover tales of migration, resilience, and hope straight from the voices of their protagonists, fostering a close and enriching dialogue that helps us better understand the diverse realities of migration.
What is a Human Library?
The Human Library methodology was born in Copenhagen nearly three decades ago, aiming to foster dialogue among diverse groups of people and reduce social prejudice through direct encounter.
Instead of browsing traditional books, participants can “read” living stories by listening to the testimonies of those who have experienced different situations of discrimination, exclusion, or migration. This format puts a face and a voice to realities that often remain invisible.
This personal exchange helps break down stereotypes, build empathy, and discover everything that unites us above our differences.
A Project Built on Art and Participation
The initiative builds upon significant preparatory work developed by Proclade Bética and La Hoja Blanca, a project that combines theatre, therapy, and “artivism” to create spaces for self-expression and social transformation.
Led by Belgian therapist and social facilitator Stephanie Mouton, the project brings together a group of migrants from various countries and local residents. Together, they work to make the right to migrate visible and to promote a more inclusive society.
Through techniques of body expression, creativity, rhythm, and the performing arts, participants strengthen bonds, share experiences, and prepare the stories that will later bring the Human Libraries to life.
An Event Open to All Citizens
The activity will take place on Thursday, 9th July, between 8:30 pm and 11:00 pm, in the Plaza de la Alameda de Hércules, one of the most iconic spaces in Seville’s historic centre.
During the evening, there will be at least ten “human books” sharing stories of effort, resilience, hope, and determination, free of charge and in the open air. Anyone can come along, converse, and discover a different perspective on migration through the personal experiences of those who have lived it.
Thus, the Human Libraries in Seville once again become an opportunity to listen, understand, and build a more open, empathetic society committed to diversity. If you wish to discover a different reality of migration through those who experience it first-hand, do not miss the opportunity to take part this Thursday at the Alameda de Hércules.
