Artists For Refugees Project.

When you mention the word Refugee many people associate it with turmoil but this is not always the case as I came to realise after attending this very powerful forum and exhibitiion about art afortnight ago.

Artists for Refugees project was officially launched at the Alliance Française in Nairobi a fortnight ago by UNHCR Kenya. Marked with pomp and colour the event featured close to 60 refugees from Dadaab, Kakuma and Nairobi who showcased their talent in various forms of art.

FilmAid International's Country Director Stella Suge,  musician OCTOPIZZO cartoonist Victor Ndula,Tsegaye Sergue (Cuba) an Ethiopian refugee from Kakuma, Harun Komen, the Commissioner- Department of Refugee Affairs and UNHCR KENYA Country Representative Raouf Mazou were among the panelists who gave great insights on how refugees can be empowered through music and art the discussion was moderated by Executive Director of the GoDown Arts Centre, Joy Mboya. 

The three-day exhibition also helped the refugees to show of their work in the Nairobi as their plight took center stage.

Here are some of the moments I captured during the event.

One of the paintings on display at the exhibition depicting a young girl carrying a lamb in her arm looking thoughtful.

Octopizzo emphasizing on the role of art in transforming lives at the Artists For Refugees Forum.

Art lover takes time to admire various paintings on display.

Time to apply some Hena art work on you.

Khadija Hussein Jamah 33yrs and a mother of six,doing Hena Art during the event she has been living in Kakuma Refugee camp for the last 24years.

Traditional Dancers these artists were among 60 others from Somalia,Ethiopia, Eriteria, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC invited to showcase their works by UNHCR.

Art lovers admiring more art work on display at the exhibition.

UNHCR Kenya Country Represenative Raouf Mazou sharing with a participant after the event.

An art lover admires the paintings on display at the Alliance Francaise Nairobi. 

An art lover admiring Ethiopia's Triku Fekere painting.

Traditional Dancers from Burundi they were also among 60 others from Somalia,Ethiopia, Eriteria, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC invited to showcase their works by UNHCR.

Digital Humanitarian Philip Ogola monitoring social media activity during the Artist for refugees forum.

Blogger and Photographer Wachira Njenge with Kibera's finest Octopizzo at the sidelines of the event.