In a powerful convergence of creativity and healing, ten talented young artists gathered in Sulaymaniyah for our three-day "Canvas of Emotions" workshop from June 16-18, 2025. This special project invited youth participants to bravely explore their personal histories and channel their experiences of suffering into unique and moving works of art.

Led by facilitator Dilpak Khdir, the studio became a sanctuary for these young voices to be heard. With canvases and colors as their tools, the artists learned to translate complex emotions into a visual language. The focus was not just on technique, but on empowering these young individuals to find strength and a powerful voice through form and color.

Here is how the transformative three-day journey unfolded:

• Day 1 (June 16): Foundations of Trust and Expression. The first day was dedicated to building a safe and supportive environment. Dilpak Khdir led introductions and trust-building exercises, encouraging participants to connect with one another. The session focused on the fundamentals of emotional expression through art, exploring how different colors, textures, and strokes can represent feelings like joy, sorrow, anger, and hope. Artists began with initial sketches and conceptual brainstorming on their canvases.
• Day 2 (June 17): The Heart of the Canvas. With a foundation of trust established, the second day was devoted to deep creative work. The studio was filled with focused energy as participants delved into their personal narratives, translating their memories and emotions onto the canvas. Dilpak provided one-on-one guidance, helping each artist navigate technical challenges and emotional roadblocks, ensuring their unique vision was realized. This was the core session where stories took shape in vibrant color and form.
• Day 3 (June 18): Reflection and Sharing. The final day centered on completion and connection. Artists applied the finishing touches to their pieces, preparing them for display. The afternoon was dedicated to setting up the group exhibition, a collaborative effort that fostered a sense of shared accomplishment. This culminated in the sharing circle, where each artist had the opportunity to present their work and articulate the story behind it.

The workshop concluded with this beautiful and intimate group exhibition where the young artists shared their finished pieces. It was a moment of profound connection, offering a space for shared reflection, mutual support, and healing for a new generation.

We are immensely grateful for this opportunity, which was conducted by the Aran Organization for the Development of Civic Culture and made possible by the generous funding of the UNESCO "Going Together" Program and SEVENTEEN GROUP.