Arts, Culture, and Healing

The Ubuntu Arts, Culture, and Healing Program is a culturally grounded, trauma-informed initiative designed to support Black African, Caribbean, refugees and newcomers in healing from displacement, violence, and systemic exclusion through;

• Arts,
• Culture,
• Storytelling, and 
• Creative expression. 

Rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—the program uses artistic and cultural practices as tools for emotional healing, identity restoration, empowerment, and community building.

Forced displacement often results in trauma, loss of identity, social isolation, and cultural disconnection. Many refugees arrive in Canada having experienced violence, persecution, and family rejection, and continue to face racism, homophobia, economic hardship, and exclusion. 

Arts and cultural expression provide safe and meaningful pathways for healing, restoring dignity, reclaiming identity, and fostering belonging.

This program positions refugee and newcomer artists, storytellers, and cultural leaders not only as beneficiaries, but as creators, teachers, and leaders who shape cultural narratives and community healing spaces.

Program Goal

To promote healing, empowerment, identity restoration, and social inclusion among refugees and newcomers by using arts, culture, and storytelling as tools for mental health, resilience, leadership, and cultural preservation.

Program Objectives

The Ubuntu Arts, Culture, and Healing Program aims to:

• Support emotional and psychological healing through art therapy, storytelling, and cultural expression
• Restore cultural identity, pride, and belonging among refugees and newcomers
• Provide platforms for refugee artists and creatives to showcase their work and leadership
• Reduce isolation and strengthen social connections through cultural and creative engagement
• Preserve and celebrate refugee cultural heritage, traditions, and histories.
• Create economic opportunities for refugee artists through exhibitions, performances, and creative entrepreneurship
• Promote public awareness and challenge harmful stereotypes about refugees through art and storytelling

Core Program Components

1. Art Therapy and Healing Workshops

This component provides trauma-informed creative healing spaces facilitated by trained artists, therapists, and peer facilitators.

2. Storytelling and Narrative Healing Initiative

Storytelling is a powerful tool for reclaiming voice, identity, and dignity. This component supports refugees in documenting and sharing their stories safely and voluntarily. Participants develop confidence, leadership, and ownership of their narratives while contributing to community awareness and education.

3. Cultural Celebrations and Community Arts Events

This component creates opportunities for cultural celebration, community connection, and public engagement while fostering belonging, celebrating diversity, and creating safe and joyful spaces for community expression.

4. Refugee Artist and Creative Leadership Program

This initiative identifies, supports, and develops refugee artists and creatives as leaders and entrepreneurs.

Activities include:

• Artist mentorship and leadership development
• Artist showcase and exhibition opportunities
• Creative entrepreneurship training
• Artist stipends, honoraria, and commissions
• Support for refugee-led art projects and productions
• Artist residencies and collaborations

This component promotes economic empowerment, leadership, and professional growth.

5. Cultural Heritage Preservation and Identity Restoration

Displacement often disrupts cultural continuity. This component preserves and celebrates refugee cultural heritage ultimately strengthening identity, pride, and cultural continuity.

Target Population

The program primarily serves:

• Black African and Caribbean refugees and newcomers
• LGBTQI+ refugees and newcomers
• Survivors of gender-based violence
• Refugee youth and young adults
• Refugee artists and creatives
• Refugee women and gender-diverse individual.