Our main objective was to enhance the mental well-being of migrants and refugees by creating tools and resources that empower civil society workers to better understand and address their mental health needs. We also aimed to raise public and institutional awareness about these issues, encouraging host communities to engage more empathetically. A central focus was on upskilling creative professionals who use art-based methods in social and therapeutic contexts, driven by our conviction in the healing and integrative power of art. By supporting both migrants and the professionals who work with them, we sought to contribute to stronger social cohesion and diversity. Beyond immediate outcomes, our ambition was to create a sustainable, inclusive framework that continues to promote mental well-being among migrants, the professionals working with them, and the host society as a whole, ensuring long-lasting impact rather than isolated interventions.
We applied for this project in response to the need to address the mental health and integration challenges faced by refugees and migrants in Europe. The two major refugee waves in 2015 and 2022 reminded Europeans of the trauma caused by wars and forced displacement. Research and our own field experience show that most refugees have endured severe stress and traumatic events, whose effects persist long after resettlement. Even migrants who left under less violent circumstances often experience long-term psychological strain. If these invisible wounds remain unaddressed, they can hinder successful integration—an outcome that affects both the newcomers and host societies. Mental health issues are a growing concern even among European citizens, particularly young people. The rising interest in art- and creativity-based mental health approaches is therefore encouraging. However, such initiatives are too often seen as a middle-class privilege. Through this project, we wanted to challenge this misconception by making art-based practices accessible to migrants, while also equipping creative professionals with the skills needed to work effectively and empathetically at the intersection of art, mental health, and social inclusion.