Albright Stage | From Crisis to Renewal: How Art Turns Trauma into Purpose

In the aftermath of conflict, trauma or displacement, art emerges as a powerful tool for healing, supporting survivors of war, people with disabilities, and victims of environmental crises to process trauma and reclaim their place in society. Collective creativity contributes to building shared purpose, strong communities, and imagining solutions to overcome displacement and disaster. Art empowers marginalized communities, revitalizes damaged spaces, and opens pathways to dialogue, resilience, and reconciliation. This panel explores how artists and cultural initiatives transform survival into renewal, turning pain into purpose and creativity into a foundation for long-term stability and societal healing. Stuart Andrews, Senior Lecturer and Co-director: Performing City Resilience, Brunel University of London Thomas di Maria, Director, Arts Access for All Yuliia Manukian, Curator of Art and Urban Projects, Urban Re-Public Lisa Slominski, Curator and PhD Researcher, Kingston School of Art Sally Painter, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Blue Star Strategies