A project that blends mental health and art for deaf youth begins this week at Nicosia’s School for the Deaf, led by two young professionals. The two facilitators leading the Crafting Meanings and Threads project (Chirotechnontas noemata kai nimata in Greek) will combine their backgrounds in art therapy and fashion design to psychologically empower children and teenagers of the deaf community.

A series of four workshops throughout March, April and May, will teach participants art practices, connecting them with wellbeing and creative self-expression. An open call for participation is running free of charge as the workshops are funded by the Cyprus Youth Organization.

Behind the initiative is the Friends of the Deaf Club in collaboration with the School for the Deaf and fashion designer Anna Michailidou and art therapist Eleni Petridou Bouriti who will lead the workshops. Joining the four workshops will so be Cypriot Sing Language interpreters Panagiota Themistokleous and Thekla Eleftheriou to assist with communication.

The project kicks off this week. The first session is scheduled for this Sunday followed by a workshop on March 30. They will be followed by workshops on April 14 and May 3. All of the workshops will be held between 10am and 1pm except for the final one which will take place from 4pm to 7pm.

The workshops will incorporate art therapy methodologies and fundamental principles of fashion design, using techniques such as heat sublimation, cyanotype, embroidery and digital media – offering a multisensory and emotionally engaging experience.

Through four workshops and an exhibition showcasing participants’ work, the initiative aims to raise awareness about deafness, highlight the talents of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, and enhance their psychosocial support through the therapeutic power of art.

Eligible to take part in the programme are teenagers and young adults of the deaf community, aged 15 and above. Participation is free yet there are limited spots and pre-registration online is required.

Art Therapy Workshop for the Deaf Community

Four workshops with fashion designer Anna Michailidou and art therapist Eleni Petridou Bouriti. organised by Friends of the Deaf Club, ONEK, in collaboration with the School for the Deaf. March 16, 30, April 14 and May 3. 10am-1pm and 4pm-7pm (May 3). School for the Deaf, 21 Makedonitissis Street, 2417 Engomi, Nicosia. In Greek. Free. Online Registration Form: https://forms.gle/wgVCxE3XRzK9MHn18