About Sandblast
Sandblast is a UK-based arts and human rights charity that focuses on education and empowerment projects for children and women. The organization provides learning and training opportunities to enhance expression, develop potential, and earn a livelihood. Sandblast's mission is to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to express themselves creatively, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The charity was founded in 2005 by an artist named Robin Hanbury-Tenison, who was inspired by his travels through the Sahara Desert. He saw firsthand how art could bring people together across cultural divides and decided to create an organization that would use art as a tool for social change.
Since its inception, Sandblast has worked with communities in Morocco, Western Sahara, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Mali and Mauritania. The organization's projects have included music festivals featuring local artists; workshops on traditional crafts such as weaving; film screenings followed by discussions on human rights issues; theater performances addressing social issues such as gender inequality; and much more.
One of Sandblast's most successful initiatives has been its work with women in the Western Sahara refugee camps. Many of these women are illiterate or have limited education due to their displacement from their homes. Sandblast provides them with training in traditional crafts such as embroidery or weaving so they can earn an income while preserving their cultural heritage.
Sandblast also runs educational programs for children living in refugee camps or other marginalized communities. These programs include art classes where children can express themselves creatively while learning about different cultures around the world.
In addition to its work overseas, Sandblast also runs projects within the UK aimed at raising awareness about human rights issues affecting people around the world. These projects include film screenings followed by panel discussions featuring experts on topics such as migration or climate change.
Sandblast relies heavily on donations from individuals and organizations who share its vision of using art as a tool for social change. The charity is run entirely by volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in the world.
In conclusion, Sandblast is a unique charity that uses art as a tool for social change. Its focus on education and empowerment projects for children and women has had a significant impact on communities around the world. By providing learning and training opportunities, Sandblast is helping people to express themselves creatively, develop their potential, and earn a livelihood. The organization's work is inspiring and serves as an excellent example of how art can be used to bring people together across cultural divides.
sandblast-arts.org
