Art has the power to transform pain into purpose, war into peace, and despair into hope.
Ruined side-street in Shingal (Sinjar) © Levi Meir Clancy
Art Beyond Conflict
From Palestine to Yemen, from Ukraine to Myanmar, from South Sudan to Libya, and from Ethiopia to Afghanistan, conflicts around the world are taking a devastating toll. Besides the loss of lives, the destruction of infrastructure and political instability, the economic and environmental degradation, the spread of poverty, and the displacement of masses, the repercussions of violent conflicts leave a lasting mark on those affected.
Children facing war and violent conflicts are particularly vulnerable to mental and emotional trauma due to their exposure to traumatic events and the disruption of their normal development. We acknowledge that preventing wars may be beyond our control, but we consider it our moral duty to do everything we possibly can to mitigate the impact of conflicts on children.
From Trauma to Triumph
Our goal as an Association is to empower children affected by conflict and its aftermath by creating safe spaces for processing their memories and emotions through creative expression, in the hope of finding solace and recovery.
Furthermore, we aim to create opportunities for children and youth whose childhood was taken by circumstances of war, violent conflict, and poverty, to showcase their artistic creations through online platforms and exhibitions, not only raising awareness of their experiences but also generating financial support for their access to education and health, and overall improvement of their lives.
Colors of Resilience
Scientific research has shown the powerful healing potential of creative expression (neuroarts). Its findings underscore art‘s effectiveness in alleviating pain, enhancing memory and speech, improving mental health, boosting educational attainment, and mitigating trauma effects. By harnessing creative expression through drawing and painting, we aim to transcend children‘s lives in the pursuit of healing, resilience, and inclusivity.
We recognize the importance of safeguarding children and youth from the effects of conflict, considering the far-reaching consequences of trauma on their development and the perpetuation of cycles of violence and instability.
A girl of a Gujjar community from Kashmir © Lara Lone
A girl of a Gujjar community from Kashmir © Lara Lone
Siblings from a Tibetan refugee settlement in the Himalaya region © Lara Lone
Bakarwal siblings from Kashmir © Lara Lone
Every Brushstroke Tells a Story
We aim to showcase the incredible artistic talent and creativity of children and youth, whose lives have been touched by the traumas of conflict. Through their art, we want to convey a powerful message that goes beyond words, demonstrating the ability of the human spirit to overcome adversity. These young artists are not just survivors; they are thriving and flourishing, using their creative expressions to rebuild their lives.
Through BOMBART we empower them to regain a sense of agency and ownership over their stories. Join our mission in supporting their journey towards a brighter and more promising future.