Art2BeOne Project

Founded in 2006 by Xavier Verhoest and Annette Schwalbe, Art2BeOne is a Nairobi-based platform of visual artists, therapists, and activists. The initiative uses expressive tools—such as painting, photography, film, and books—to explore memory, foster social change, and promote positive living.

Through creative engagement, Art2BeOne empowers people to share their life stories, challenge dominant narratives, fight for their rights, and advocate publicly for justice.

The Afghanistan Memory Home- Italy (2004)

In partnership with the Afghanistan Human Rights and Democracy Organization (AHRDO)

Art2BeOne facilitated Body Mapping workshops with Afghan refugees in Europe, offering a safe, inclusive space for survivors to share experiences of trauma and envision their future post-2021 Taliban takeover. These workshops fostered community building and produced powerful materials for exhibitions, publications, and advocacy for justice and reparations.

Outcomes: Memorial stories, well-being, artworks, exhibitions, publications, justice advocacy

On Sexual Abuse and Harmful Practices—Kenya (2023)

In partnership with CISP (Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli)

Art2BeOne trained 13 CSO members in Samburu on the Body Mapping methodology. These trainers then worked with communities to challenge harmful social norms such as FGM and child marriage. The workshops sparked personal and community dialogue through visual storytelling, fostering healing and cultural critique.

Outcomes: Artworks, well-being, professional growth, advocacy, social norms change, exhibition, film

People at the Heart of Care—Mali (2023-2024)

In collaboration with CISP

Using the “Arts for Change” methodology, Art2BeOne supported women in healing and community-building through Body Mapping, part of the broader “Healing Together” psychosocial approach. The method was previously used in Kenya and Somalia.

Outcomes: Personal and professional growth, artworks, exhibitions, films, publications

I Have Many Lives – Djibouti (2021–22)

With the International Organization for Migration and Caritas

Art2BeOne trained IOM and Caritas staff and worked directly with street children and repatriated migrants. The workshops provided expressive tools for healing, improving psychosocial screening and referral systems.

Outcomes: Professional development, well-being, healing, artworks, advocacy, exhibition

Seeing Bodies: Gender and Resistance to Violent Extremism—Kenya (2018–20)

In collaboration with Coventry University, Leeds University, and University of Mombasa

In Mombasa, Body Mapping workshops explored how communities, especially women, resist violent extremism. The project documented grassroots strategies for peacebuilding and became part of an academic study.

Outcomes: Research material, artworks, stories, personal growth, well-being, academic publication, exhibition

My Child’s Rights – Kenya (2017–19)

In collaboration with CISP

Through Child Rights Clubs in Nakuru primary schools, Art2BeOne used art to increase children’s awareness of their rights, foster openness, and promote positive behavioral norms.

Outcomes: Professional development, community engagement, artworks, children’s well-being

Art for Social Change – Somalia (2016–20)

With CISP, UNFPA, and UN-Habitat

This project addressed the post-conflict urban transformation in Mogadishu, using arts-based approaches—memory work, psychogeography, and public art—to promote reconciliation, civic pride, and inclusion, especially for IDPs and youth.

Outcomes: Civic engagement, public art, peacebuilding, artworks, exhibitions, books, conferences

We Are All This and More – Kenya (2016–18)

With Life & Peace Institute and SUPKEM

After the 2015 Garissa University terror attack, Art2BeOne supported trauma awareness workshops using Body Mapping. Youths from diverse backgrounds later led art-based peacebuilding and public exhibitions in Garissa.

Outcomes: Peacebuilding, civic engagement, artworks, exhibitions, public art, personal growth

Breaking the Silence: Working Against GBV – Kenya & Zimbabwe (2009–11)

With Nairobi Women’s Hospital, Moi Hospital, and Médecins Sans Frontières

Art2BeOne worked with GBV survivors and health professionals to develop Body Mapping-based debriefing tools. This supported both survivor healing and] healthcare staff facing burnout.

Outcomes: Healing, staff support, professional tools, artworks, well-being

Who I Am, Who We Are – Kenya (2013–16)

With National Museums of Kenya, SDC, Heinrich Böll Foundation, GIZ

This national identity project engaged thousands of Kenyans in reflection on citizenship, ethnic identity, and nationalism through participatory art. It provided safe spaces for expression and dialogue, especially in the post-election context.

Outcomes: Civic dialogue, public art, stories, artworks, exhibitions, films, publications, radio programs, conferences

Journey Through the Stories of Eight Organ Transplant Patients – USA (2013)

With the University of Kentucky

Eight transplant patients created Body Maps exploring their medical and emotional journeys. The artworks were later exhibited and published in a book.

Outcomes: Healing, storytelling, public art, book, film

Burning: Working with the LGBTQI Community—Kenya (2006–10)

With GALCK and GIZ

Art2BeOne facilitated Body Mapping with LGBTQI youth to challenge stigma, promote healing, and create new public narratives in a hostile legal and cultural environment.

Outcomes: Advocacy, healing, public art, artworks, stories, film

The Family Art Project—Kenya (2006–07)

With Wajuku Art Centre

Inspired by participants who brought home art exercises from HIV-focused workshops, Art2BeOne trained families in Mukuru slum to use art therapy at home. The project culminated in community exhibitions and awareness events.

Outcomes: Increased HIV testing, community art events, healing, artworks, exhibitions, books

Our Bodies, Our Stories: Living with HIV – Kenya (2006–11)

With GIZ Health Component

Art2BeOne challenged the narrow biomedical framing of HIV/AIDS by emphasizing personal narratives, memory, and community healing through art.

Outcomes: Advocacy, healing, artworks, exhibitions, stories, public art, personal growth

Selections of Art2BeOne partners

CISP (Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Life and Peace Institute (LPI), University of Leicester and Leeds (UK), Brunel University (London), The Afghanistan Human Rights and Democracy Organization (AHRDO), The Swiss Cooperation for Development, UNFPA Somalia, UN Habitat Somalia, DRC-REDDS Durable Solutions IDP’s Somalia, German Technical Cooperation Kenya , Médecins Sans Frontieres, SOS Children Kenya, SOAS University of London, National Museums of Kenya, the Institute of Tropical Medecine Belgium, The Royal Museum of Central Africa/Africa Museum (Belgium)

Selection of films

The following films and texts engage on the various use of Body Mapping facilitated by Art2beOne, touching on violent extremism, inclusion, HIV, identity, and belonging.