ArtCHAT
Working with youth, displaced persons and community.
My focus with ArtCHAT has been to create a deep sense of well being, security and freedom - with and for the participants - through Joy, play, self-expression, reflection, and fun.
I have extensive experience working with and facilitating art workshops. I believe in the transformative power of art. I use artistic activities and expressive art facilitation as a tool to increase our awareness of self and our connection to others, as well as a tool to create a deeper understanding of identity, place and community
In 2015 I began ‘ArtCHAT’ as a not for profit initiativ, initially working with both local teenagers and those still waiting to be granted asylum in my current home town, Rjukan, before expanding, working also with adults, and travelling to other refugee centres in Norway.
In 2018, together with the late Ivanir Sibylla Hasson, founder of childrens theatre & Circus Sibylla, we created and facilitated ‘Art & Story’. A transformative workshop, combining Ivanir's storytelling and my sensory approach to art and understanding of place, with the moving power of art process, helping participants to process their emotions and build inner strength. Art & Story was originally developed for children & youth living in Norwegian asylum centers, which in 2020, we expanded to include the adults. Despite Covid, we managed to complete 4 tours in 2020 without incident, before Ivanir unexpectedly passed on the 7th of November, just 4 days after arriving home from our last tour.
The work we did together was profound in so many ways. I carry it both within me and forward, incorporated into the work I still do within ArtCHAT, and my Art Labs For Women, which I started in 2024.
Our work with displaced persons received funding from UDI - The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration in 2018 + 2019, and IMDi - The Norwegian Directorate for Integration and Diversity in 2020.
““I want to be a light in the world, for people to get into their own source of creativity, to get in contact with their own light” ”
Follow ArtCHAT on Instagram @artchat_katartstudiosrjukan
Below is a small selection of beautiful moments from the ArtCHAT archives
Services:
ArtCHAT workshop
I offer tailor-made creative experiences for organisations and private groups by appointment.
ArtCHAT events, Rjukan:
Unless otherwise stated, ArtCHAT events taking place in ‘Kat Art Studios Rjukan’ are primarily an invitation for adults & youth in my local community (Rjukan & Tinn) to come and join me in some creative fun.
ArtCHAT is a 'not for profit' initiative. Whereas my work with children and youth has been sponsored by various organisations over the years, the work I do within my own community in Rjukan is primarily sponsored by me. Anyone wishing to make a small donation to cover the costs of my materials can vipps #738618 Kat Art (Katie Hagen) – please mark donations as ArtCHAT.