In the first week of October 2024, ASSITEJ Norway hosted TYAOslo 24, a week-long residency that gathered 11 performing artists from across Europe to explore the concept of Creative Aid.
The residency began with a two-day workshop led by the renowned Flying Seagulls Project, who have visited numerous refugee camps—including Moria in Greece—bringing joy and play to children through their creative work. This set the stage for a rich program of seminars, workshops, performances, exhibitions, and meaningful conversations throughout the week.
Our goal was to empower artists who feel a desire to contribute through their art to children in challenged areas. By offering them a space to explore their own creative tools, we aimed to inspire new ways to use art in support of children’s well-being and development, aligning with Article 31 of the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child. This article emphasizes every child’s right to rest, leisure, play, and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts—a crucial foundation for our residency’s mission.
Though we may not have fully reached our desired outcomes, TYAOslo 24 sparked an important process of reflection and experimentation. We are now preparing a report on the outcomes of TYAOslo 24 – Creative Aid. If you would like to learn more about how we can harness the power of art in these contexts, feel free to contact us. This report will also be available on www.assitej.no when it is ready.
*ASSITEJ Norway organizes our residency program TYAOslo every other year, the next residency will be in 2026. We always have an open call and explore different topics.
