SALWA is a platform that aims to diversify the cultural landscape by amplifying the many urgent and passionate voices of artists and makers who are new to the Netherlands. Prioritizing artists with migrant backgrounds, SALWA provides them with guidance, resources, and support so that they can sustain their creative practices and independently hone their craft and their style.
"SALWA" in Arabic means solace, comfort–that which brings happiness or pleasure. It refers to something that alleviates your grief and worries. The work we do as a foundation is guided by this notion and embodied in everything we do.
It is also the name of Yara’s grandmother, a matriarch of her community in Damascus. Championing feminist care practices, our efforts as a foundation built upon a history of strong women who are unafraid to challenge conventions.