We need to raise £5,000 as soon as possible to continue the invaluable work and support we provide our clients for another year.

“When I make pictures I forget my torture. I forget my problems...I started art therapy four years ago; that's helped me to come out of the whole darkness I was in. I was imprisoned in Iran for being active in the women's movement.” Anon.

The Open Art Studio is an art space in North London that has provided a therapeutic space for refugees and asylum seekers for nearly 10 years. Our clients have survived political violence, torture, trafficking and human cruelty.  Working in association with Helen Bamber Foundation, we provide a space where art making is used to overcome trauma.

Many asylum seekers have been subjected to unthinkable traumas in their homeland, on their journey to the UK and under this country’s punitive and degrading asylum system. Our studio provides a warm, communal healing environment to people who have lives fraught with struggle, fear and uncertainty. Help us continue our work! 

More information on our campaign homepage - http://oas2015.wix.com/openartstudio

Who we are

The Studio is run by two art psychotherapists who are highly experienced at working with trauma and the use of art as an aid to psychological recovery.

We see art as an opportunity to explore the wounds of the past and give hope for the future.

“When I paint pictures, I can think about my experiences in Afghanistan, my journey to the UK and my experiences of being an asylum seeker, I can think differently.”  Said