Designed to “take them out of the camp, both mentally and physically”, Refocus program has been evolving from humble beginnings in 2017. The success they've had since has been built by developing a family of media creators who help one another learn and co-create. Beyond access to tools and teaching artists who help train, Refocus Media Labs provide a necessary safe space for students to explore the arts and express themselves.
The media lab offers organized courses on multiple skill levels in core media creation workflows including studio photography, filmmaking, video editing, sound engineering, podcasting, graphic design and photographic printing. The media lab will not only ensure that new students develop and advance professional media creation skills, but will also provide employment for numerous teaching artists from within our refugee community.
The open studio hours also serve as a free creative space for any refugee artist on the island to make their own media within a safe, inclusive and professionally equipped environment. By providing beneficiaries the space and tools to make their voices heard, develop their own stories and further report on the challenges they face, the media lab will reactivate an engaged artistic and open-minded community.