Who We Are
Learn about our mission, story, and impact
Learn about our mission, story, and impact
Learn about our mission, story, and impact
Ahmad, an artist from our refugee community, painted this piece to represent how Love Without Borders connects people from around the world through art.
Ahmad, an artist from our refugee community, painted this piece to represent how Love Without Borders connects people from around the world through art.
Ahmad, an artist from our refugee community, painted this piece to represent how Love Without Borders connects people from around the world through art.
Our Mission
We empower refugees to use art as a means of self-expression and a tool for economic independence.
We empower refugees to use art as a means of self-expression and a tool for economic independence.
Our work strives to give refugees a platform through which to express themselves, share their experiences, and forge relationships with both a local and global community. In addition to supporting refugees, we strive to educate the public about the struggles refugees face; to humanize the refugee experience; and to generate compassion and support for all people in this world.
Our work strives to give refugees a platform through which to express themselves, share their experiences, and forge relationships with both a local and global community. In addition to supporting refugees, we strive to educate the public about the struggles refugees face; to humanize the refugee experience; and to generate compassion and support for all people in this world.
Our Story
Our story started small, with some paper and crayons.
Our story started small, with some paper and crayons.
Learn how our story began, from Kayra Martinez (founding director):
"In 2015, while based in Frankfurt as a flight attendant, I witnessed the onset of the refugee crisis. I immersed myself in various roles— working in warehouses, welcoming boats on the islands, and helping to house refugees.
"In Nea Kavala, a refugee camp in northern Greece, I had the idea to give the children art supplies so that they could draw and paint.
"From the first session, art became a source of joy and healing for these children, allowing them to express themselves in the midst of chaos of life living in a tent of a camp.
"I began regular art workshops in my home near the camp. Children painted on whatever was available: paper plates, cardboard, and wood.
"Over time, I expanded the program to include adults, and I began selling the pieces on behalf of the artists, returning all of the earnings to the individuals artist.."
Learn how our story began, from Kayra Martinez (founding director):
"In 2015, while based in Frankfurt as a flight attendant, I witnessed the onset of the refugee crisis. I immersed myself in various roles— working in warehouses, welcoming boats on the islands, and helping to house refugees.
"In Nea Kavala, a refugee camp in northern Greece, I had the idea to give the children art supplies so that they could draw and paint.
"From the first session, art became a source of joy and healing for these children, allowing them to express themselves in the midst of chaos of life living in a tent of a camp.
"I began regular art workshops in my home near the camp. Children painted on whatever was available: paper plates, cardboard, and wood.
"Over time, I expanded the program to include adults, and I began selling the pieces on behalf of the artists, returning all of the earnings to the individuals artist.."
Our Impact
Since our founding, Love Without Borders has made an extensive impact
Love Without Borders for Refugees in Need (LWB) is having a tangible impact on the lives of refugees in Greece and amplifying their art around the world.
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Pop Up Galleries
Amplifying refugees voices
in the global community
through art and education
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Pop Up Galleries
Amplifying refugees voices
in the global community
through art and education
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Pop Up Galleries
Amplifying refugees voices
in the global community
through art and education
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People housed
We provide temporary and long term
housing (<1 year) for unhoused refugees.
housing (<1 year) for unhoused refugees.
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Refugees Supported
We provide food vouchers, housing,
income for artists, and education.
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Refugees Supported
We provide food vouchers, housing,
income for artists, and education.
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Refugees Supported
We provide food vouchers, housing,
income for artists, and education.
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Art Pieces Sold
100% of the sale price of each painting
goes directly to the refugee artist
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People Housed
Ensuring the most
vulnerable refugees
have a roof overhead.
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People Housed
Ensuring the most
vulnerable refugees
have a roof overhead.
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People Housed
Ensuring the most
vulnerable refugees
have a roof overhead.
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Funds raised
These funds go directly
to essentials for refugee
families and individuals.
LWB has organized
250+ refugee art workshops
250+ refugee art workshops
and hosted
and hosted
177 pop-up galleries
177 pop-up galleries
in order to sell
1700+ paintings
1700+ paintings
on behalf of refugee artists, providing them with
on behalf of refugee artists, providing them with