Convivir Colorado: Immigrant Impact Virtual Art Show

This story product comes from Colorado Equity Compass (CEC) awardee Convivir Colorado. Convivir is dedicated to supporting the positive mental health development of immigrant youth in Colorado. When we think of the impact of immigration policies, health might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Nonetheless, it’s clear in hearing the stories of our youth how this topic reaches every part of their life.

Storytelling allows us to heal not our physical bodies, but our emotional and mental state of being. Students in Convivir’s Arts and Conversations series came together to approach the taboo topic of immigration in a safe setting where they could connect with others in similar experiences. As they wove together stories and art to contextualize their journeys, they initiated a collective healing.

This video highlights some of the art made by our students as we discussed their experiences with migration and its effect on their lives. Their art showcases their surroundings, scribbles, memories, families, and different aspects of their lived experiences inspired by conversations around culture, leadership, obstacles in their lives, and hopes for the future.

The youth were coming from various cities in Metro Denver, where the social and community context scores the most below average compared to the state in social determinants of health.