Barefoot Artists brings the transformative power of art to the most impoverished communities in the world through participatory and multifaceted projects that foster community empowerment, improve the physical environment, promote economic development, and preserve and support indigenous art and culture. “When I see brokenness, poverty and crime in inner cities, I also see the enormous potential and readiness for transformation and rebirth. We are creating an art form that comes from the heart and reflects the pain and sorrow of people’s lives,” says Yeh. “Art expresses joy, beauty and love. This process lays the foundation of building a genuine community in which people are reconnected with their families, sustained by meaningful work, nurtured by the care of each other and will together raise and educate their children. Then we witness social change in action.” Yeh works from the premise that expressing feelings and thoughts often helps to dispel the sense of alienation in a new environment. Healing takes place when the voices of the unheard are heard and cherished.
While Barefoot Artists draws inspiration from world art and culture, each project is tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of that community. When possible, Barefoot Artists incorporates local artists and craftspeople into our projects. Moreover, Barefoot Artists aims to develop markets for locally produced and fairly traded crafts.
While Barefoot Artists draws inspiration from world art and culture, each project is tailored to the unique needs and characteristics of that community. When possible, Barefoot Artists incorporates local artists and craftspeople into our projects. Moreover, Barefoot Artists aims to develop markets for locally produced and fairly traded crafts.