Kunsttherapie in der Schubhaft

Since 2006, asylum seekers in Austria can be sent to detention centres while it is ascertained if their applications should be dealt with by a “safe third country” in the EU. If this is the case or if their asylum application is rejected, they will be deported. The Salzburg-based project, Art Therapy in Detention Centres, uses art methods to help people in detention centres in Salzburg to come to terms with their situation. Twice a week, a group of six people each time can take part in this group work under the guidance of an art therapist. Art therapy is non-verbal and has proved to be particularly suitable for dealing with the situation in detention centres. Exhibitions of the art works reveal hidden realities to the public.