VIZUALIOJO MENO SOCIALINĖ REIKŠMĖ PRIEGLOBSČIO PRAŠYTOJŲ CENTRUOSE

Abstract

In the past decade, with the rapid increase in global migration, the need for social work with refugees and asylum seekers has also grown. In light of the migration crisis and the resettlement of Ukrainian war refugees, the issue of asylum seekers and ensuring their dignified living conditions has become more relevant for Lithuania than ever before. The adaptation of asylum seekers to a new environment is often hindered by traumatic experiences, losses, disrupted social lives, uncertainty about the future, and other challenges—regardless of whether they are in “temporary” camp conditions or in long-term resettlement processes (Kronick, Jarvis, & Kirmayer, 2021). In addition to meeting basic needs, individuals must receive psychosocial support. In the context of social work, art therapy methods can serve as an effective alternative to provide essential emotional support. These methods help clients communicate, especially when language barriers or cultural differences hinder interaction. This article explores the application of visual art methods in addressing personal and social difficulties faced by migrants in asylum seeker centers. Artistic activities, which have therapeutic effects, can be applied not only by professional artists but also by social workers or art educators. Low-threshold activities that promote change are based on informal art learning and broader concepts of well-being. For instance, creating drawings, paintings, or sculptures on themes such as one’s former home or personal surroundings can help refugees preserve their identity through art (Jones, 2018). Creating safe spaces by utilizing internal resources encourages a forward-looking perspective and the restoration of personal control (Dieterich-Hartwell & Koch, 2017). Additionally, the use of imagination can promote specific physiological therapeutic changes (Kodeeswara Prabu & Subhash, 2015). At the intersection of art and social work, art’s capacity to serve as a tool for empowerment and social change plays a key role (Bos, 2019). This article raises the following research question: What social significance of visual art do the practitioners in these centers perceive? Object – the application of visual art in asylum seeker centers. The aim of the article is to reveal the social significance of visual art in asylum seeker centers. Objectives: 1) to reveal the psychosocial situation of asylum seekers; 2) to review visual art methods and practices used to provide social support to asylum seekers; 3) to empirically investigate the applicability and social significance of visual art methods for improving the psychosocial well-being of asylum seekers. Research method: in order to examine the applicability and social relevance of visual art methods for improving the quality of life in asylum seeker centers, a qualitative study was conducted. The study involved one social worker and three art educators. Data collection tool – semi-structured interview. The study participants were selected using the snowball sampling method. The main selection criterion was the long-term (at least six months) application of visual art methods in asylum seeker centers. The research data were analyzed and interpreted using content analysis. In order to empirically investigate the social significance of visual art in asylum seeker centers, and based on the formulated research question, the following five themes were identified: Purposes of visual art activities, Psychosocial significance of visual art, Community strengthening, Reducing social exclusion in society and Challenges. Participants identified key goals of artistic activities, including Occupational engagement, Education, and Creating a safe space. These objectives reflected both the needs of asylum seekers and the personal approaches of the facilitators. Interviewees also highlighted several key factors that hinder or limit the implementation of visual art activities: Unsuitable conditions, Communication with center staff, Unmet basic needs, and Lack of art therapy and social work knowledge. These aspects indicate that ensuring the effectiveness of art-based interventions requires not only creative spaces but also organizational and social support. In analyzing the research data, the psychosocial significance of visual art was broken down into three subthemes: Emotional support, Overcoming language barriers, and the Importance of artistic self-expression. Participants were also asked how people interact during the sessions and what social issues artistic activities can help address within the community. The identified subthemes included Communication with each other, Tension reduction, and the creation of a Safe space for sharing. To explore how participants understand the role of visual art in communication with the host society while raising awareness about asylum seekers’ issues, the following questions were asked: How can the target group’s art be used to communicate with the public? and What social issues can art activities help address? Based on the answers and further interview insights, three subthemes were formulated: Interaction through shared activities, Communication through created art, and Public visibility of activities. Conclusions: Asylum seekers have faced various traumatic experiences related to threats in their country of origin, dangers during their journey, and uncertainty in their current situation. Social work in asylum seeker centers requires a full range of professional knowledge and competencies, including the ability to work in multicultural communities, organize meaningful activities, and promote integration into the host society. The application of visual art methods within forced migrant communities empowers individuals, develops social skills, creativity, and self-awareness, and facilitates verbal and non-verbal communication. Telling one’s story through artistic expression helps asylum seekers preserve their identity in changed life circumstances and raises public awareness about the issues of forced migration. The research findings revealed that visual art activities provided asylum seekers with opportunities for self-expression, helped them communicate through the language of art, build new social connections, reduce interpersonal tensions, foster emotional mutual support, and facilitate communication with the local community, encouraging mutual understanding and tolerance. The study showed that the smooth implementation of these activities was hindered by ineffective collaboration with asylum center staff, a lack of psychological competencies, the psychological condition of the center’s residents, and low motivation to participate in the activities. Based on the research data, it is recommended that social workers in asylum centers approach residents’ engagement and social activity more creatively and consider applying visual art methods (e.g., art therapy, photovoice). It is also suggested that art educators receive training in art therapy and in working with vulnerable groups, and that more efforts be made to disseminate information about visual art projects involving asylum seekers in order to foster public tolerance.
Key words: visual art; asylum seekers; socially engaged art practice; social work.