What are the Impacts of Art on Syrian Refugee Youth in Lebanon?

Abstract

Since 2011, a huge number of Syrian refugees have been forced to leave their country due to one of the world‘s bloodiest civil wars. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR 2022), Lebanon hosts the world's largest number of refugees per capita and square kilometer, with a government estimate of 1.5 million Syrian refugees. Forced displacement has massive negative effects that are difficult to overcome without the necessary tools, especially when hate speech is encouraging violence toward this category of individuals. Driven by the need to look at ways to improve Syrian refugee lives in Lebanon, this research examines how art can positively affect Syrian refugee youths' experiences in the Lebanese community. This thesis presents an overview of the role of art projects in Syrian refugee youths' lives. To illustrate understanding, I have used a qualitative research strategy based on in-depth interviews. The study demonstrates the challenges Syrian refugees have been facing in Lebanon and asserts how art projects have been helpful in the most severe situations. Results indicate that art projects have had a positive effect on the Syrian refugee youth in the programs studied, building self-confidence, encouraging diversity, and clarifying misconceptions. Moreover, it argues that art is a tool to empower the Syrian refugee youth morally and financially, by allowing them to exhibit their works and put their artworks into practice. The study seeks to raise awareness of the role of art projects in improving the Syrian refugee youths' lives in Lebanon and prompts policymakers to consider art as a critical tool while applying strategies regarding the Syrians‘ coping mechanisms in Lebanon.