TIAFI Refugee Centre Art Studio Ben Hennessy

TIAFI (Team International Assistance for Integration) is a non-profit Community Centre in Izmir, Turkey set up by Waterford Native, Anne O Rorke, to respond  and offer support to the vast number of Refugees fleeing war-torn Syria. The centre offers a support desk, free lunches daily, exercise programs for children with disabilities and educational and skill-development for women and children, many of whom have lost their husbands, fathers and brothers in the war. With Arts Council support I will take up an Artist in residence position and will develop a permanent studio at the Centre where artists can come to work and volunteer to provide art workshops and projects for the children. 
I am bringing my own paints and over 300 brushes with me but I'm seeking support to stock the studio with materials and furniture for the children's use - easels, shelves, paints, paper, canvas, pastels, markers etc - We will source the materials in Izmir in the coming weeks and with your help we can create a space that will be enjoyed by and benefit the children, their mothers and the artists that work with them in years ahead.