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Beyond Displacement: How Art Empowers a New Generation
Dohuk, Iraq – Amid the dust and uncertainty that often define life in a displacement camp, moments of hope and creativity break through the clouds of despair. One such moment was when the International Organization for Migration (IOM) organized a unique art workshop called "Homebound Creativity: Exploring Art Amidst Adversity." Led by the Kurdish diaspora artist Avan Anwar, the workshop brought together 16 women from displaced and host communities, including Sara, a young woman from Sinjar, living in the Qadia camp.
Sara, one of the workshop’s standout participants, had long buried her love for drawing under the weight of daily responsibilities. “This workshop was like a breath of fresh air. It allowed me to reconnect with my art and pour out everything I had been holding inside onto a canvas.”
During the workshop, Sara created two paintings that she especially loved. Her first piece, a reflection of her inner turmoil and resilience, depicts a figure made of broken glass reassembled into something beautiful. “Being upset at home felt like the shattered glass, but coming here, I was able to piece myself back together.”
The artwork drew attention before it was displayed: on Sara’s way to the exhibition, a taxi driver was ready to buy the art piece on the spot. But for Sara, her art is priceless. “I worked so hard on that painting,” she said, showing the cuts on her hands from working with the glass. “I can’t put a price on it. I want as many people as possible to see and enjoy my art.”
Her second painting speaks to the strength and potential of women, symbolized by a butterfly. “No matter how broken we may be, we can always emerge from our shells, reborn and ready to take on the world.”
The workshop concluded with an art exhibition – a display of talent, celebration of resilience and creativity, and a powerful reminder of the importance of mental well-being and self-expression in the face of adversity.
Avan Anwar, the workshop facilitator, has a personal connection to the themes of displacement and resilience that were explored during the workshop. Originally from Halabja, Iraq, Avan was forced to leave her homeland after a bomb blast left her with a hearing impairment. She now lives in Australia, where she has built a successful career as an artist known for her works, symbolizing life and optimism.
“We created such a beautiful exhibition,” Avan said, reflecting on the experience. “During our workshop, we formed a deep connection because we all have something missing in our lives. It could be a home, a memory, or the experience of displacement. This connection was expressed through the art we created together.”
Over five days, the workshop became a platform for those women to express their personal stories and experiences through art, helping them reclaim a sense of identity and hope amidst the chaos of their lives.
After the exhibition, Avan, joined by Sara and other participants, continued with art workshops for children in the camps for internally displaced people (IDPs). These creative outlets are more than just fun—they are coping mechanisms that help prepare the children for the challenges they may face in the future.
For Sara, this opportunity to engage with the children in her community was incredibly fulfilling. “I want to give strength and paint a better future for ourselves.” Inspired by her experience she sees art in everything around her: “I have so many ideas now, and I’ve realized that I can make art out of almost anything at home—marbles, pencil scraps, even old clothes.”
On International Youth Day, Sara’s story reminds us of the resilience, creativity, and strength of young people, especially those who have faced the challenges of displacement. Her art, much like her spirit, is unbreakable. She represents the hopes and dreams of a generation that refuses to be defined by the hardships it has endured.
Through initiatives like this, and with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), IOM supports and empowers young people like Sara, providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to build a better future.
