Sandblast Arts

Founded in 2005, we are London-based and work in the UK and internationally, particularly in the Saharawi refugee camps in Algeria. Our mission is to put the Saharawi story on the map, build friendships and mobilise support for their cause.

Promoting the voices, culture and arts of the Saharawis is at the heart of our mission. We believe they must be the primary agents to express their aspirations and transform their future, and we implement projects that foster self-reliance and sustainability.

Sandblast is currently involved in running, Desert Voicebox, a pioneering, after school project that trains local teachers to provide English language and music education to Saharawi children living in refugee camps in SW Algeria. We also nurture and promote Saharawi artists and organise awareness and fundraising events in the UK and beyond.

Collaborations and partnerships play an important role in enabling us to deliver our work. Over the years, we have hosted live music events, art and photography exhibitions, film screenings, talks, festivals, the annual Sahara Marathon fundraiser, and many other activities to showcase Saharawi culture, draw attention to their cause, and build support.