MISSION

Artfully AWARE aims to strengthen sustainable futures in both developed and developing societies by using the arts to enrich, educate and empower individuals and communities.

Through the implementation of our fine art, drama, dance, music and media programmes, Artfully AWARE also seeks to support the development of psychological well-being, increase self-esteem and enhance community capacity building.

VISION

We envision a world where those suffering from internal or external forms of stress may find relief and inspiration from the arts in order to improve self-esteem and become empowered, more fulfilled and productive members of society.

GOALS

1. -To involve all types of artists and educators from both developed and developing communities in cultural exchange and teaching programmes that will eventually be self-sustaining and run by local trainers.
   

2. -Strengthen communities psycho-socially by bringing people together to share in a journey of exploration and celebration of the arts.
   

3. -Recover the ideal of expression in depressed societies by providing a medium for people to speak through their art and to form connections with similar societies as well as with the developed world.
   

4. -Assist in generating locally allocated and managed sources of income for participating communities through a series of artistic productions, exhibitions, and by displaying and auctioning artwork at public fundraising events, while concurrently increasing awareness of social, cultural and economic challenges.

BACKGROUND

The creation of art can relay the narrative of a culture and the social problems people face by giving them the opportunity to express themselves freely. It can address mental health, education and personal/community development by affecting change and making a lasting positive difference to people’s lives. As a collective society, we recognise the value of traditional education. But art teaches what multiplication tables cannot. Art stimulates the creativity that fosters problem solving and strengthens confidence.

People who have experienced the most extreme traumas - such as war, disease and abuse - as well as those who simply feel disconnected, struggling to use their innate abilities to fight for survival or just find the inspiration to face a new day, all need art. Painting, storytelling through theatre, performing traditional dances and singing songs are all creative tools that touch our hearts and reach into our innermost passions.

One purpose behind Artfully AWARE is to stimulate the artistic senses of communities that have been deprived of creativity for extended periods of time. Developing countries throughout Africa, Asia and Latin American have rich histories of artistic tradition. It is mainly due to poverty, repressive governance or lack of opportunity that the arts stop flourishing and people can no longer find their artistic voice.

In countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the arts are becoming less prevalent and underfunded. In response to this, AfA’s other main purpose is to provide resources and creative outlets for participants coming from schools and community centres while participating in and forming advocacy events.

Artfully AWARE intends to work closely with community members, motivating them to gain strength and obtain a higher quality of life. Only when their psychological well-being is addressed and they find this impetus within themselves, can people overcome challenging situations and transform the world in which they live. We are not the type of organisation that instils or imposes our own beliefs and cultures onto them. Rather, we aim to provide opportunities where they are able to teach their own societies together with the places where we come from. This enables empowerment and cultural exchange.

Please read our Work Strategy to learn more about how we operate.