START

 

START, a renowned global initiative linking child development with arts education, recently completed its first Art Summer School for orphans and refugees, organized in collaboration with SOS, UNRWA and the Madrasiti Initiative in Jordan.

The Summer School offered 400 orphaned and young refugees workshops in painting, sculpture and photography, and included outings to various inspiring locations in Jordan such as the Children’s Museum, Jerash, Madaba, Mount Nebo, Iraq Al-Amer and Zay.

The young artists worked with local volunteers and international artists from Dublin, London, Melbourne and Dubai and focused on three creative themes: ‘Mapping and Journeys’, ‘How Can I change the World?’ and ‘Heritage and Traditions’. Each theme encouraged the children to learn more about Jordan’s history, discover their own ideas and use their imagination.

UNRWA and SOS believe that the children benefited greatly by being introduced to a host of creative themes and art techniques, emphasizing that the workshops organized by START workshops immensely benefit both the children and the artists involved.

“I enjoyed meeting and interacting with the children, and although there were limits due to the language barrier, it was great to communicate and engage with them in any way.” Sarah Brown Lee, a professional photographer from the UK.

According to several group coordinators, one of the happiest days in the programme was spent working with 70 children from the Hussein Camp to create a 40-foot mural during the week of How Can I Change the World. The mural is now a proud part of the camp’s school wall.

Laila Demashqieh, START Jordan’s coordinator, expressed joy at her participation in the programme, saying: “It was an outstanding time, as we had the chance to see the children express their ideas, have fun, and really grow to trust the volunteering artists and their own talents.”

The three-week Art School was aptly concluded with an exhibition at Dar al Anda Gallery, where START displayed over 500 works of art prepared by the children, allowing each child to display at least one of their works. The exhibition was attended by the Director of Jordan’s National Gallery who commended the children’s achievements and the great efforts of START’s volunteers. The work done by the children will also be sent to the UK and displayed to the British public.

START also presented 10 young artists with START art certificates and material prizes in an endeavor to encourage them to further develop and sustain their talents.
Mohammed, a 15 year old from UNRWA Baa’qa camp, said, “I am always waiting for the next START visit with excitement, I’m having so much fun and I’m learning how to appreciate beauty through art.”

The work with refugee and orphaned children continues and the establishment of an Artists in Residence scheme called ‘START House’ has already seen more international volunteers visit Jordan since June to assist START in delivering creative workshops. The concept behind the scheme is that the house is open to artists and volunteers who want to share their time and skills with children through START in Jordan.

“The START House is great,” said Sarah Lahti, professor at the American University of Dubai, upon visiting the program. “It is nice and spacious and has all the utilities needed to relax after a long day volunteering. In particular the studio space is great for creative visitors.”

It is worth noting that the START House is located in Jabal Al-Weibdeh, a culturally rich area of Amman that is close to many galleries and is open to regional and international volunteers all year. According to Sonia Brewin, Brewin Director START, both volunteers and sponsors are persistently needed to continue with the summer school activities in 2010.

About START

Launched in March 2007 START brings art into the lives of socio-economically and culturally deprived children throughout the Middle East, and uniquely encourages artists to become volunteers in the field of humanitarian aid and education.

WWW.STARTWORLD.ORG Our next Art School Workshop info : December 23rd - 30th START will create a Children's Art Festival in Palestine that will give over 200 children access to workshops celebrating dreams, imagination and creativity - Bethlehem in Palestine.


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