RED NOSES at the Zero Project Conference at the UN in Vienna

The Zero Project Conference took place between 22nd and 24nd February at the United Nations Office in Vienna. Over 800 people from 80 different countries had the opportunity to discuss with the unique, global crowd of inspiring persons and organizations on the mission to make the world a Zero-barrier place for everyone.

RED NOSES had the pleasure and the privilege to participate at the #ZeroCon23 and to present our work in the field and more specific on "The Role of Arts and Humor Working With Forcibly Displaced People". In a fireside chat, our Managing Director, Natalie Porias discussed with Thomas Butcher, Senior Advisor to the Zero Project, about the right to a complete state of health, including mental health, especially for children and children with disabilities in refugee communities. Arts and humor are crucial aspects to provide hope and relief. This is what the Emergency Smile Programme of RED NOSES International is doing regularly by visiting communities of forcibly displaced persons in Europe and beyond with teams of professionally trained clown artists.

Earlier during the Zero Project Conference, our Programme Manager Carmen Valero, together with Hungarian Clown Erika Manyasz, offered a Humour Relief Workshop to the Youth Delegation of the conference. Our goal was to spark some ideas of how humour can be incorporated into a topic like disability that isn’t necessarily associated with humour and arts. During the workshop we had edifying conversations about the benefits of arts and humour on mental health and well-being and about the use of humour in working with children with disabilties and humanitarian aid workers. In the second part of the workshop, Erica told some stories from the field, accompanied by some practical exercises with a focus on playful exercises that can be used in inclusive settings, a moment which was very inspiring for both sides.

At this point we would like to thank the Zero Project for inviting us to this important conference. A big thank you also to everyone who engaged with us in inspiring conversations. RED NOSES is proud to be part of creating a world without borders, to learn and to share knowledge and insights regarding inclusion and mental health, especially in times of crisis.