The project, implemented by the Cultural Awareness Foundation in collaboration with the Malatya Urban Development Association (KEGED) aimed to support the recovery of earthquake survivors through culture and art. The project was funded through Local Empowerment Support Fund II, launched by the Support Foundation for Civil Society and the Türkiye Mozaik Foundation. It sought to raise awareness among target groups about the cultural assets and values in their environment through cultural awareness education, enhance their knowledge, and encourage them to take ownership of their cultural heritage.
The fourteen month-long project successfully completed all of its planned activities within the scheduled timeline. During the implementation phase, Malatya Metropolitan Municipality provided significant support, especially in catering the art activity workshops and transportation to cultural sites.
A total of 155 children and young people participated in art activities, while 425 children and youth took part in cultural excursions. Throughout the project, 25 young volunteers contributed to civil society efforts and gained valuable experience, especially in working with children.
One of the most important components of the project was art therapy, which benefited 59 children and young people who were especially affected by the trauma of the earthquake. The positive impact of this initiative was documented in the evaluation report.
At the closing event of the project, which included an exhibition of the participants' works, around 1,000 attendees—including children, young people, parents, educators, the Mayor, and heads of municipal departments—expressed their strong desire for these kinds of initiatives to continue in Malatya.
This project represents the first initiative of its kind to integrate a strong cultural awareness component into post disaster recovery efforts, specifically targeting the rehabilitation of children and youth. The findings from accompanying research indicate that the activities implemented had a significant positive impact on the target group, effectively supporting their emotional healing and psychosocial recovery. The outcomes underscore the potential for replicating this culturally grounded initiative in similar settings.