Youth from immigrant, asylum-seeking, refugee, and vulnerable backgrounds join the 6-week Art for Change program, engaging with socially-engaged artists to explore art mediums addressing mental health challenges.
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Art For Change (AFC) empowers marginalised youth in Northern Ireland and globally through participatory arts and social innovation. Using the FIDS framework, it builds coping and leadership skills while enabling self-expression and mental health advocacy. This unique approach fosters understanding and social cohesion by uniting diverse young people in creative, inclusive spaces.
IMPACT SO FAR
YOUTH
AUDIENCE
FUNDS
The Design Thinking Framework
FEEL
IMAGINE
young people could come together around a shared passion, guided by multidisciplinary artists, to explore diverse art forms as a way to address mental health challenges—gaining agency, self-care skills, and the confidence to share their stories and inspire others to say, “I CAN make a difference!”
DO
Design Thinking Workshops: Guide the action plan with Design Thinking methodologies.
Skill Development: Train participants in their chosen art medium, offering mentorship throughout by working artists and creative professionals ie songwriting, production, performance, sculpture, poetry, etc.
Collaborative Project Work: Foster teamwork and assign roles based on strengths.
Public Exhibition: Showcase participant artwork to engage community and stakeholders.
Audience Engagement: Interactive showcase event which involves audience members in providing written (digital) and verbal feedback. Facilitate discussions to deepen understanding and inspire action through interactive exhibitions.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Youth from immigrant, asylum-seeking, refugee, and vulnerable backgrounds join the 6-week Art for Change program, engaging with socially-engaged artists to explore art mediums addressing mental health challenges.
Students engage in learning sessions and workshops focused on mental health. Guided by Design Thinking workshops, they develop projects aimed at advocating for mental health awareness and social change.
Participants refine their skills in their chosen art form with guidance from artists, enhancing their abilities and leadership through project development.
Collaborating with peers, they create impactful projects addressing mental health issues, preparing artwork and presentations for a public showcase event.
