In July 2026, Breaking Walls will bring together 40 young artists from 12 global cities for a 17-day creative residency in Istanbul. Youth from immigrant, under-resourced, and marginalized communities will embark on a journey of self-discovery, writing and performing about self-awareness and freedom of expression. By supporting Breaking Walls, donors help empower the next generation of creative leaders, enabling young people to transform art into dialogue, empathy, and social change.
Youth from marginalized communities often face bullying, discrimination, and limited opportunities to express themselves creatively. Without safe spaces for dialogue and expression, these young people risk losing confidence, connection, and the chance to shape their futures. Kamva from Cape Town said of the Palermo Summit's culminating performance, "Breaking Walls introduces us to ourselves to voice out our true selves for the world to hear."
Breaking Walls creates a safe global stage where young people transform their experiences into powerful artistic expression. During the Istanbul Summit, participants will collaborate with mentors to create original performances, build leadership skills, and engage in community service. Together they learn that their stories matter-and that creativity can challenge prejudice and inspire understanding across cultures.
The Summit is just the beginning. When participants return home, they carry new confidence, friendships, and leadership skills back to their communities. With ongoing mentorship, they launch performances, workshops, and youth initiatives that inspire others to speak up and create change. One experience in Istanbul sparks a ripple effect-empowering hundreds of young voices around the world.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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