Art as a Refuge
Art as a Refuge was a project I created during my life abroad in Sweden where I was a nanny 3 wonderful girls.
This project was a response to the Syrian civil war, and the mass influx of refugees seeking asylum in Sweden and many other locations in 2014.
It was a time where I witnessed the love and support shown by many swedes, in offering food, shelter, and support. As a way to show my support, I formed an art focused class/community space for the families from all over who resided at a Refugee Center in Orminge, Sweden.
I wanted to create a safe space for both children and adults to express themselves and unwind. We met every Friday and provided guided activities and supplies for self expression. We began with 50 children, and as the weeks went by, parents also joined in.
Although we did not speak the same language, the art and activities acted a bridge for the children to either copy, collaborate, or make their own.
In the end, when my visa expired, I had to end the program but this was not a sad ending. Throughout the experience, our attendance decreased not for lack of interest, but because the families were moving into their new Swedish homes and their new Swedish lives. The week following our last meeting, the last family moved into their new home making it a perfect end to such a rewarding experience.
Art as a Refuge, is a collaborative volunteer effort where we gathered to create and support the expressive art experiences for refugees.There are needs of the body, and then there are needs of the soul. Art as a Refuge helps us address the needs of the soul.
