Be the Change You Wish to See in the World — Support Ildflueakademiet, Where Children Ignite Their Light

Ildflueakademiet (Firefly Academy) is a small art academy with a big mission: to give refugee and immigrant children in vulnerable situations a safe creative space where they can learn, express themselves, and rediscover their inner light.

Since 2018, children at Ildflueakademi have explored different forms of art such as painting, drawing, music, theatre, movement, and storytelling. Behind every session there are many caring artists, educators, and volunteers from different countries who generously share their time and creativity. Together, we create creative spaces where children feel seen, proud, supported, and safe.

Through art, Ildflueakademi helps children reconnect with their voice, their confidence, and their light.

Art helps them understand the world, process emotions, imagine possibilities, and believe in themselves.

Ildflueakademiet provides a safe community where children can express emotions, build confidence, develop social skills, make friendships, and gain a sense of belonging.

Why is important?

Many of the children we support have experienced trauma, displacement, or social isolation. Traditional school environments often overlook their emotional needs, language barriers, and creative potential.

Our purpose is to support children who are at risk—children exposed to violence, cultural segregation, and the painful consequences of social inequality. At Ildflueakademiet, they receive something essential: a safe space, a guiding light, and an opportunity to keep their inner fire alive.

But to continue offering this support, WE NEED YOUR HELP

Why have I launched this crowdfunding campaign?

My name is Carolina Pizarro, I work in Performing and Community Art, and although I was born in Chile, Denmark has been my home for the past ten years. I am committed to this work because I know, through my own story, how profoundly a child’s future can change when someone believes in them.

I grew up in a neighborhood very similar to those of the children I work with today. Theatre became my lifeline. Many of my childhood friends are no longer here to tell their stories—some lost their lives to violence, others to a lack of opportunities so deep that it erased their sense of hope. Their absence is a constant reminder of how much a child’s environment can shape their future.

Art helped me survive—and today, it is the path I want to open for them. I believe deeply in Ildflueakademiet, here we offers something that can change a child’s path: a safe space, a guiding light, and a chance to keep their inner fire alive. It helps children understand the world, process emotions, imagine possibilities, and believe in themselves.

Why do we need your support?

Together, we can ensure that every child who walks into Ildflueakademiet feels valued, inspired, and full of possibility. 

Ildflueakademiet provides a safe space where children can express emotions, build confidence, develop social skills, make friendships, and gain a sense of belonging in their community.

To sustain our work for an entire year, we rely on donations to cover:

• Art materials (paint, brushes, canvases, clay, instruments)

• A safe and welcoming workshop space

• Qualified educators, artists with experience and mentors.

• Basic volunteer expenses (train transport and snacks during sessions)

• Snacks and drinks for children

• Community art events and exhibitions to celebrate the children’s work

Every contribution—large or small—makes a real difference because you are helping a child feel safe, supported, and proud of who they are.

Your contribution to this crowdfunding already means so much. If you also have ideas or suggestions to help strengthen and sustain this project, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Ildflueakademiet is a non-profit organization(forening), based in Trivselshuset, in Holstebro Denmark. The board is formed by Eva Hallgren, Anja Klok Schou, Jan Handberg, Luis Alonso and Carolina Pizarro.

Ikarus Stage Arts collaborates with Den Boligsociale Helhedsplan, Lejerbo, NordVestBo og Boligselskabet Holstebro, AKK – Almene Kunstklubber and Trivselshuset.