Creative Journey: Children from Yamal and Volnovakh Transform in Tarus

photo: ANO “Centre for Creative Initiatives”

Talented children from Yamal and the Volnovakha region recently concluded a two-week creative immersion in Tarusa.

The program brought together winners of the “Golden Section” academic drawing contest and the “New Names” children’s creativity contest for a blend of intensive training and outdoor activities.

Participants honed their skills thru individual master classes and creative laboratories. Musicians focused on academic vocals, violin, flute, and piano, while young artists engaged in daily drawing sessions.

The young talents also had the enriching experience of attending concerts and meeting distinguished cultural figures. These included Ksenia Knorre, a professor at the Moscow State Conservatory, People’s Artist Ram Urasin, and artist Mikhail Pilipenko.

In their downtime, the atmosphere buzzed with outdoor games and excursions, offering a welcome respite and further inspiration.

This Tarusa trip marks the final summer creative shift for these gifted children this year, concluding a series of enriching experiences.

Earlier this summer, 23 young talents from Yamal and artists from Volnovakha participated in a creative school in Ples, Ivanovo region.Another 14 gifted youngsters explored artistic advancement,theatrical arts,and graphic design in St. Petersburg.

just before the Tarusa program, on July 23, 22 teenagers, including nine from the sponsored region, returned from a creative summer shift in Suzdal.

As 2021, Yamal’s gifted children have benefited from these summer creative shifts. Over 170 children have enhanced their artistic abilities across Suzdal, Ples, Tarusa, and St. Petersburg.

In 2023, the initiative expanded to include talented young individuals from Volnovakha, fostering a wider collaborative environment.

Governor Dmitry Artyukhov has prioritized support for gifted children, aiming for the region to be the nation’s leading childhood territory by 2030.

fostering the creative abilities of young Yamalians is a key component of this vision. The district offers various support measures, such as prizes for remarkable achievements in culture and art, and monthly scholarships from the governor for 30 top talents.

Discover more updates on the Telegram channel “Impulse of the North.”

How dose the Tarus program specifically address the differing needs of children from Yamal and Volnovakha through art therapy?

A Bridge Built Through Art: The Tarus Rehabilitation Center Program

The Tarus Rehabilitation Center in Russia is currently hosting a remarkable program bringing together children from two vastly different regions – Yamal, a resource-rich area in the Arctic north, and Volnovakha, a town heavily impacted by conflict in the Donetsk region of Ukraine.This initiative, focused on art therapy and psychological rehabilitation, aims to help these children overcome trauma, build resilience, and foster a sense of hope for the future. The program leverages the power of creative expression to address the unique challenges faced by each group.

Understanding the Children’s Backgrounds

The children participating represent distinct experiences and needs.

Yamal Children: Often from Indigenous communities, these children face challenges related to preserving cultural identity, adapting to modern life, and navigating the harsh Arctic environment. The program provides a space for them to connect with their heritage through traditional arts and crafts, while also developing skills for the future.

Volnovakha Children: Having experienced the direct impact of armed conflict, these children grapple with profound trauma, displacement, and loss. The focus for them is on trauma-informed care, providing a safe and supportive environment to process their experiences and rebuild their lives. Psychological support is a cornerstone of their participation.

The Core of the Program: Art as a Healing Tool

The Tarus program centers around a diverse range of artistic activities, carefully chosen to facilitate emotional processing and personal growth. These include:

Painting & Drawing: Allowing children to express feelings that may be arduous to verbalize. Art therapy techniques are employed by qualified professionals.

Sculpture & ceramics: Providing a tactile and grounding experience, fostering a sense of control and creation.

Music Therapy: Utilizing the power of sound and rhythm to regulate emotions and promote relaxation.

Drama & Storytelling: Encouraging self-expression, building confidence, and developing social skills.

Traditional Crafts (for Yamal children): Beadwork,carving,and othre traditional art forms reinforce cultural identity and provide a connection to ancestors. This includes learning about Yamal culture and its artistic traditions.

Benefits of the Integrated Program

The unique combination of children from different backgrounds offers several key benefits:

Empathy & understanding: Exposure to different perspectives fosters empathy and breaks down stereotypes.

Shared Healing: The shared experience of trauma, even in different forms, creates a sense of community and mutual support.

Resilience Building: Learning from each other’s strengths and coping mechanisms enhances resilience.

Cultural Exchange: The program promotes cultural exchange and recognition, broadening horizons for all participants.

Long-Term Psychological well-being: The intensive psychological rehabilitation provided aims to equip children with the tools they need to navigate future challenges.

A Day in the Life at Tarus

A typical day at the Tarus Rehabilitation Center is structured to balance therapeutic activities with recreational time.

1. Morning Session: Focused on individual or group therapy sessions, often incorporating art-based interventions.
2. afternoon Workshops: Dedicated to specific artistic disciplines,led by experienced instructors.
3. Evening Activities: Include games, storytelling, and opportunities for social interaction.
4. Ongoing Support: Throughout the day, trained counselors and psychologists are available to provide support and guidance.

Case Study: Anya and Dimitri – A Story of Connection

Anya, a 10-year-old from Volnovakha, initially struggled to connect with the other children, withdrawn and hesitant to participate. Dimitri,a 12-year-old from Yamal,noticed her isolation and,through a shared pottery workshop,began to build a rapport. He patiently encouraged her to express herself through clay, and they eventually collaborated on a sculpture representing their respective homes. This collaboration became a turning point for Anya, helping her to open up and engage with the program. this exemplifies the power