Stories To Make You Smile From The Children of ArtSocial
15th October 2021 | Words by Roberta Hollis
September marks a new season for ArtSocial, which means we take the time to reflect on what the last year has meant for all our charity projects.
Over the last year, your support has allowed us to:
Provide vital art therapy for 329 families where a child has been admitted to a hospice for a terminal illness.
Support 12 children and young people confined to their homes because of a critical illness through a mobile art therapy service.
Allow 400 children with special education needs and disabilities to interact with leading museums, learn more about art, and participate in an inclusive competition.
Give 110 children and young people with special education needs and disabilities in Orenburg the chance to build a community while participating in creative therapies.
Deliver weekly specialist music lessons for 19 children with special needs in London.
We love to see numbers like this, but our favourite thing about looking back on our projects is hearing stories about childrens' development. So by sharing some of the stories that have touched our hearts this year, we hope to show you the true power of art and creative therapies.
Music Lessons Have Made Billy, "Very Happy"
Nine-year-old Billy* has ASD, which can make social interaction difficult. However, weekly music lessons at the Otakar Kraus Music Trust have helped Billy make brilliant improvements in his social skills.
Billy* performs a song on piano.
After realising his talent for piano, Billy's self-confidence has improved so much – he now has many friends at OKMT and even enjoys helping other students improve their sign language.
Billy has also formed a close bond with his music teacher, writing a beautiful song about her titled "Kind Kimberly".
After Graduation, Anya is now Pursuing a Career in the Arts
A child from Here & Now in a film.
Here & Now's Animation and Cinema clubs have been specially designed by psychologists to support orphaned, adopted, or fostered children. The clubs help young people develop their social skills and creativity, boost self-esteem, and learn to work as part of a team.
Anya* has been a member of the club for the last few years, but as she graduates from high school, Anya is now leaving the club. Due to her circumstances, Anya was at increased risk of social issues. However, thanks to her participation in the Here & Now clubs, she is a confident and driven young woman.
The Here & Now clubs helped Anya discover her passion for the performing arts, which she plans to continue after school.
““I love signing and plan to continue studying what I’ve learned at the club. After that, I want to work in the theatre. I love to perform and reveal different sides of myself. The stage is my everything.””
14-Year-Old Roman "Draws His Dreams"
Roman painting with his dad
Roman has spent lots of his childhood in rehabilitation centres due to severe disabilities. Roman's condition can leave him feeling exhausted and often makes leaving the house incredibly difficult.
Online art classes provided by Kolesobzora have provided essential escapism for Roman, whose dad says he often "watches the world from his window". Doing the online sessions together allows Roman and his "best friend", his dad, to enjoy quality time together in the house.
Through his art, Roman brings his dreams to life, drawing and painting all the things he one day dreams of doing, like driving a car and owning a pet. Visualising the things he loves reflects in Romans artwork, producing pieces that are joyful and bright.
To hear about more children whose lives have been transformed through art, follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter. Without supporters like you, none of this would be possible.
*Children’s names have been changed to protect their privacy.