Homelands and new lands : Artmaking with refugee survivors of human rights abuses

The authors have used action research methods to investigate ways of helping survivors of torture and other human rights abuses benefit from creative activities as part of a holistic rehabilitation programme. This chapter aims to describe good practice guidelines for introducing survivors to a range of arts-based activities, including painting, collage and 3D modelling. Guidance will be based on a current literature review and the authors’ extensive experience of running their own groups in a range of formal and informal settings. A primary focus will be on the use of creative expression/activities to help establish a sense of safe place, so crucial in the recovery process from trauma