THE CARPET TOUR CONTINUES

FIGHTING BOREDOM WITH PAINT AND STENCILS IN A REFUGEE CENTER IN HEERHUGOWAARD

In February 2020, United Painting was invited by De Vrolijkheid, a network of professional artists who bring dance, music, theater and art to refugee centers, to start a series of artistic interventions in azc Heerhugowaard, a Dutch center for asylum seekers.

By organizing workshops, we involve a group of 15 residents in a step by step transformation of the communal areas on site that were perceived as particularly gloomy. Using our specific design based on patterns, those involved can pick their favorites and becomes a designer him/herself and experience a true sense of ownership. Adding fast results, expanding networks and gaining more experience in the painting process, motivation is high among the participants. Hopefully we will soon continue and paint the entire building!

Sami Youssef, resident azc Heerhugowaard:

‘I really enjoy painting with you guys, there’s not a lot to do in and around this azc and I’m in my room most of the time. Your project gives me the chance to make something beautiful whilst occupying myself. Call me whenever you guys have a project somewhere!’

Mile Salic, assistant location manager at the Heerhugowaard refugee center:

‘Ever since the walls across the consulting rooms have been painted, we have noticed a significant change in the perception of those dreaded rooms. The atmosphere has improved a lot and we receive a lot of positive feedback from our residents’.