“I really enjoyed it, it’ my happy place. ”

Together with Seaton Community Centre the Cashback team hosted 12 weekly art sessions for asylum seekers. Part of the focus was on developing artworks that the individuals could use to embellish their spaces in order to create a sense of home and belonging. The participants were encouraged to request specific motives or art forms, one of which was painting a moon painting. Another way of building connections to Aberdeen was by using local plants to create gelli prints and cyanotypes. Outside of this the team developed activities that could be used to explore and express difficult emotions. This involved experimentation with colours and lines while paper marbling and mindful watercolour doodles.

A particular activity that was appreciated was screen printing tote bags. The individuals were encouraged to develop simple shapes to transfer on to the bags, which were then embellished using posca pens. These were of particular value as it became a tangible item with a purpose that could be taken home and used and enjoyed time and time again. The art sessions were an important space for the participants to come and build their confidence and practice English, thereby encouraging a smoother transition into the wider community. At the end of the sessions the individuals were given art kits in order for them to be able to continue their creative exploration at home and to provide them with the tools of expression in times of difficulty. Thank you to all those who participated and well done for joining to make a large variety of art works.