Using the arts to work with refugees and displaced persons in times of crisis and war

Abstract

Our global community is experiencing the highest numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees brought about by crises and war. Not since World War II have we seen such huge numbers of persons who have been separated from their families and communities and are without homes. The war in Ukraine alone, caused by Russia’s illegal invasion, has contributed to over 14 million refugees and displaced persons, of which, according to UNICEF, 4.6 million are children. This panel explored how the arts can contribute towards restoring common humanity and dignity to those in crisis. Practical examples of how the arts and arts therapies are being used with refugees and displaced persons across the globe were presented. Topics such as safety, space and place, peer support, and collaboration were revisited as these relate to resilience, wellness, and empowerment. Three major questions guided the presenters as they shared their experience in working with people in crisis: • Why use the arts when working with refugees and displaced persons? • How are the arts understood/perceived as they are being integrated in this field of work? • How do we restore common dignity and humanity to persons living in crisis?

Keywords

• art therapy
• south africa