We are an international non-profit creatively working where resources are few and traumatic events are great. Girls, young people, and communities engage with our innovative projects helping them towards healing and a brighter future.
Founding Story
Christina and Trauma Healing
My life’s work is supporting young people’s artistic expression by encouraging them to express who they are and who they dream of becoming.
When I was an adolescent a traumatic, deeply terrifying and disorienting event fundamentally changed me. I was lucky. I was raised in a highly creative environment and was able to turn to painting because I didn’t feel safe confiding in anyone around me. I didn’t have the words to identify or express what I felt.
Colors of Connection is a women-led team of social scientists, practitioners, artists, policy analysts, and visionaries.
Why Art & Mental Health
“I feel good in my skin when I am doing art.”
— Participant, Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Why Sub-Saharan Africa
Communities across Sub-Saharan Africa are vibrant, dynamic, and resilient despite centuries of colonial injustice, poverty and conflict. We are dedicated to supporting communities where resources and few and the frequency of traumatic events are great. By making art accessible in Sub-Saharan Africa we are reinforcing and amplifying the existing cultural resource for mental health and wellbeing.
Our Values
-
![]()
Community
Community is a resource in and of itself. We support resilient conflict-affected communities in their rebuilding because we know individuals are only as resilient as their communities are.
-
![]()
Collaboration
We harness the power of creative collaboration as a positive tool for collective action for recovery at both the personal and community level.
-
![]()
Creativity
We catalyze the creativity of young people through art, to guide and build personal growth and transform their circumstances.
-
![]()
Joy
Joy can be a game changer when trying to overcome trauma. It supports mental health and builds resilience. We cultivate joyful exploration and expression of the imagination through both personal and public art.
-
![]()
Dignity
Young people, especially survivors of war, conflict, rape, and violence, who are emerging from trauma deserve full and kind consideration. We engage with dignity and respect to ensure that human dignity in our services always remains fully intact.
-
![]()
Optimism
Our vision is to help young people shape their future despite the adversity of their current circumstances. To do so, we invest in helping them articulate their aspirations, and visions as a driver for creating their future and that of their communities.
-
![]()
Belonging
Belonging translates into inclusion and generates confidence. We emphasize connection to others and the feeling of belonging to discover something larger through shared values, responsibilities, and interests.
