Mozhgan is a young mother, professional artist and interior designer seeking sanctuary in Northern Ireland with her daughter.
Mozhgan through Beyond Skin and friends is getting support to utilise her creative skills and deal with the trauma of having to leave so much behind in Iran to ensure she and her daughter were safe and free from oppression.

When Mozhgan and her daughter (8) situation was made more stressful by the incompetence of some Home Office staff and some decision makers, we reached out to our friends in the arts sector and what happened was overwhelming. A campaign was supported by over 50 organisations /sole traders. The arts sector has always been under-resourced but the collective voice supporting Mozghan clearly showed underfunding does not stop us caring and providing care for other artists at risk. It also showed that many arts organisations will not be dictated by people in power when it comes to enabling the arts to speak out against inequality and support women's rights

In June Mozhgan had her first art exhibition at Flowerfield Arts Centre attended by VIPs and she was special guest speaker at Queens Film Theatre Iranian women in film series.

 Mozhgan has also been invited to be guest artist in residence at Under The Drum Festival.

The Vault Belfast and other art studios have also offered Mozghan space to paint.

Mozhgan is also supported by our friends at Ballywillian Presbyterian and Portrush Baptist Churches and groups working with us. The business community have also been helping and a director of a music organisation donated an iPad to Mozhgan for graphic design skills.  Beyond Skin's principal funder for our programme helping artists who come to our shores for sanctuary is the Arts Council NI. This is complemented by investment from businesses, foundations, film and music stars and other kind souls.

Even though dealing with all the stress around her situation, Mozhgan has been using her skills to help others. Teaching children art and painting rooms for children's activities. 

This collective support is not just about helping one Mother and daughter, our collective support symbolizes that vulnerable person matters.

UPDATE: Mozhgan finally (after several failed attempts) got her interview with Home Office regarding her right to remain and work status.  Now she waits for decision.

Photos below of friends supporting Mozhgan and her artwork and the poem by Mozhgan about living in repurposed hotels for institutional accommodation for people seeking sanctuary