The Art For Change (AFC) summer programme at Queen’s has welcomed 40 youth (12-18 years old) from immigrant, asylum seeking, refugee and vulnerable backgrounds to explore arts-based wellbeing strategies and lead group social action projects addressing mental health issues. It is led by Juanita Rea, Visiting Scholar at the School of Arts, English and Languages, founder of eduSOIL and Director of Design For Change NI, South Africa and Sudan. Since 2011 eduSOIL has supported 16,000 people in 12 countries and is delivering AFC in partnership with Design For Change Global and with support from Arts Council NI and Queen's Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility. 

Youth from Diverse Youth NI, ACSONI, NI Gujarati Community and ANAKA Collective are supported by Juanita with artivists Nandi Jola, Rwanda Shaw, Mayte Segura, Pradnya Joshi and Takura Donald Makoni to address racism, stereotyping, culture shock, social media obsession and teenagers’ challenges through group artivism.

eduSOIL is now thrilled to invite participants and the public to our Art For Change Celebration and Awards Ceremony at the Harty Room, QUB Music Building.

Due to racial violence during the summer, the Art For Change in-person events had to shift online. With ongoing support from QUB, we are holding this in-person event to celebrate our youth and to invite the people of Belfast (and surrounding areas) to experience unforgettable youth-led, arts-based, civic action featuring talented youth artivists (12-18 years) from eduSOIL, Diverse Youth NI, ACSONI, NI Indian Community and ANAKA Collective who are unleashing their I CAN superpowers and creativity to take action on issues affecting their mental health and to inspire change in the world.

Hear five inspiring stories of change and amazing drama, painting, poetry, music and multidisciplinary art addressing issues of racist bullying, stereotyping, discrimination, teenage challenges and social media addiction. 

Tickets are by donation. Book your spot and make a donation on our crowdfunder page. Recommended minimum donation is £5.

Book your space here