Art for Refugees in Transition

Colombia’s decades-long civil war has created massive displacement throughout the country. Almost 10% of the population has become refugees within the country. People from rural areas often flee to the slums of Bogota. Many refugee children are susceptible to joining gangs engaged in violent crime or enter into prostitution.

In August 2005 Art for Refugees in Transition (A.R.T) began implementing a traditional arts programs in Bogotá, and then later in Antioquia, and Cali. These program help revive indigenous ceramics art, weaving and traditional dances. The programs provide a platform for community building and keep children from joining drug trafficking gangs or paramilitary groups.