“We can just draw out our feelings, draw out the stressful situation we’ve been in."
Mia (from Kiev), age 14, student in Sing for Hope’s Creative Hope for Ukrainian Refugees Program in Nuremberg, Germany
“Thank you for creating this opportunity for creativity and joy for our children.”
Masha (from Bucha), mother of a 7-year-old participant in Sing for Hope’s Creative Hope for Refugees program in Chişinău, Moldova
Sing for Hope's Creative Hope for Refugees: A Lifeline of Art and Healing Spans Continents
Sing for Hope's Creative Hope for Refugees program continues to be a beacon of resilience and joy amidst adversity, using the transformative power of the arts to heal, connect, and empower refugee communities across the globe.
The Program's Evolution and Global Reach
Launched in 2018 at Skaramagas Camp in Athens, Greece, in partnership with El Sistema, Greece, Creative Hope for Refugees was founded on the belief that artistic expression is crucial for the well-being of children and families facing displacement and trauma. Initially funded by a generous six-figure grant, the program quickly expanded to include not only Greece but also Hungary, Moldova, and other European nations in response to the war in Ukraine.
In 2022, Sing for Hope's commitment to serving refugee populations deepened with a second six-figure grant, allowing the program to flourish and address the urgent needs of those affected by conflict and displacement. This commitment extended beyond Europe, with the program launching in Turkey to support communities impacted by the devastating earthquake in February 2023. Through a partnership with music instructor Dr. Benal Tanrısever Şimşek, Sing for Hope project leaders Peter Herr and Victoria Donu created a Sing for Hope Piano and produced a talent show for local students, providing a much-needed outlet for creative expression and healing.
The program's transformative power was also evident in Nuremberg and Fürth, Germany, where Sing for Hope partnered with local authorities to provide dynamic arts programs for newly arrived Ukrainian refugee youth. In dedicated spaces, children engaged in guided painting, drawing, music-making, and even co-created a Sing for Hope Piano that was later displayed at Nuremberg's iconic Way of Human Rights. This initiative exemplifies Sing for Hope's ability to respond quickly and effectively to emerging crises, providing essential support to vulnerable populations through the arts.
Impact in Numbers
In FY2023 alone, over 415 children and their families participated in Sing for Hope's Creative Crisis Response programming across Europe, including initiatives in Portugal, where two new Sing for Hope Pianos were unveiled in Lisbon and Porto. Through collaborative arts workshops, co-creation of Sing for Hope Pianos, and the establishment of safe spaces for creative expression, the program has touched the lives of over 638 refugee youth aged 4-17 since its inception.
A Testament to the Power of Art
The testimonials from children, families, and partners speak volumes about the program's profound impact. In Athens, program director Anis Barnat describes the "illuminating effect" of the Sing for Hope Pianos on communal spaces, while children's faces light up with excitement as they explore their creativity through music and art.
The stories of resilience, healing, and hope emerging from Creative Hope for Refugees underscore the arts' unique ability to bridge divides, provide solace in times of crisis, and empower individuals to rebuild their lives. With continued support, Sing for Hope will continue to be a catalyst for positive change, creating a world where all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, can experience the transformative power of artistic expression.
