When Art Becomes a Doorway to Stories: Reflections from Our Storytelling Event 📖

As part of the A Million Voices project, this story telling session was designed to create a safe, supportive space where participants could share personal experiences and reflections.

To make opening up feel more natural and less intimidating, storytelling was paired with a painting activity. This combination allowed participants to explore emotions, memories, and ideas that were sometimes difficult to express.

Connection through art

Participants were invited to reflect on symbols connected to their country, as well as themes of inclusion, equality, and respect. These reflections were first expressed visually on canvas.

The paintings became starting points for storytelling, helping participants recall experiences, process emotions, and share the stories behind their symbols. By blending art with storytelling, the session encouraged deeper engagement, openness, and meaningful dialogue.

In practice, this approach worked even better than expected. The painting activity helped participants relax and express themselves without pressure. Visual symbols on the canvas often guided the stories that followed, making it easier to speak openly and authentically.

Event Highlights: Stories That Connected Us

For the Ukrainian team, this space was especially meaningful. Sharing their stories was a way to show who they are and what their culture truly represents. Through vivid colors, traditional ornaments, and national symbols, they expressed resilience, resistance, and hope. As they spoke, they shared personal experiences of life during the war, stories of strength, endurance, and the ways they continue to hold on despite everything.

Their honesty deeply moved the rest of the group. In those moments, the session became a shared human experience, where art and stories built real connection across different backgrounds.

Key Learnings

• Combining art with storytelling is a powerful way to support openness and self-expression.

• Creative expression through painting can guide participants toward stories and emotions that are hard to put into words.

• Listening to the Ukrainian team’s experiences reinforced the importance of empathy, resilience, and cultural understanding.

• Sharing personal narratives in a supportive environment strengthens connection, trust, and mutual respect.

• Together, art and storytelling create a space for reflection, dialogue, and genuine human connection.

Check out more about this project on our page

AMV PROJECT PAGE