SKETCHBOOK CLUB

The problem

In October 2024, Stichting Art is Home identified a critical gap: many individuals, particularly refugees, lacked access to creative resources and safe spaces for artistic expression. Displacement, homelessness, and limited opportunities compounded their isolation, making it difficult to connect with others or pursue personal growth. Additionally, these groups often missed out on community-building activities, such as shared meals, which play a significant role in fostering belonging and cultural exchange.

The Solution

Art is Home launched the Sketchbook Club on October 14, 2024, to address these challenges. Designed as an open and inclusive initiative, the Sketchbook Club offers a space where people of all backgrounds—refugees, art students, homeless individuals, local residents, and friends of the community—can explore their creativity and connect with others.

Key elements of the Sketchbook Club include:

A Welcoming Space: The Club operates with a no-barriers approach, welcoming people regardless of their artistic experience or background.

Shared Meals: Sessions begin with communal meals hosted at long tables. This provides nourishment for participants, particularly refugees who might otherwise miss meals, while also fostering a sense of community. Sharing food becomes an avenue for cultural exchange, sparking conversations and connections that transcend language barriers.

Creative Freedom: After meals, participants engage in various creative activities under the umbrella of the Sketchbook Club. While the name suggests sketching, it encompasses painting, crafting, and other forms of expression, encouraging individuals to discover and shape their own artistic voice.

The impact

Since its inception, the Sketchbook Club has demonstrated remarkable success:

• Growing Participation: Weekly attendance has steadily increased, with at least 50 unique participants joining since the Club’s launch. Participants include refugees, art enthusiasts, and local residents, creating a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives.
• Empowering Refugee Artists: Refugees who were unable to practice their art due to displacement have found a space to rediscover their creative expression. These artists have expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with their craft and find support within a creative community.
• Community Building: Shared meals have proven to be a powerful tool for fostering deep connections. Conversations around the table often lead to collaborations and friendships, further strengthening the sense of belonging.
• Social and Emotional Well-being: Participants consistently report feeling more connected and uplifted after sessions. The Club not only nurtures artistic skills but also supports personal growth and mental well-being.

A particularly noteworthy outcome has been the Club’s role in integrating refugee artists into the broader community. By providing a safe space to share stories, learn from one another, and create, the Sketchbook Club has become a catalyst for social cohesion and personal development.

What’s next

Inspired by the growing interest, Art is Home is planning to expand the Sketchbook Club to a second location in 2025. This will enable even more people to benefit from this unique initiative, furthering our mission to make art accessible to all and foster connections through creativity.

The Sketchbook Club continues to demonstrate the transformative power of art—bridging gaps, breaking down barriers, and building a vibrant, inclusive community.