RED NOSES to explore the impact of healthcare clowning in Lesvos, in collaboration with the Jameel Arts & Health Lab and WHO Europe

A pioneering research study conducted by RED NOSES International, in collaboration with the Jameel Arts & Health Lab and WHO Europe, will evaluate the effectiveness of the clowns’ artistic interventions on the wellbeing and social connectedness of unaccompanied minors in Lesvos.

The project and the setting

The RED NOSES Emergency Smile Research Project is an innovative initiative taking place in Lesvos, Greece, from 2025 to 2027. This research project, co-funded by Fondation Alta Mane and in collaboration with the Jameel Arts & Health Lab and WHO Europe, seeks to assess the emotional and psychosocial impact of healthcare clowning interventions on unaccompanied minors and aid workers supporting forced migrants. 

Greece, particularly the Aegean Islands, remains a major entry point for migrants into Europe, with Lesvos experiencing a surge in refugee arrivals in 2024. Many refugees, especially children, face severe trauma and significant mental health challenges, with studies showing that up to 87% experience anxiety, depression, and related symptoms. This underscores the urgent need for interventions that address their mental and physical wellbeing and help build resilience. At the same time, aid workers in these high-pressure environments face immense stress and burnout, and need enhanced psychosocial support.

From artistic intervention to evidence

This research builds on RED NOSES' Emergency Smile programme, which has brought specially trained healthcare clowns to crisis zones since 2013 to promote emotional wellbeing, social inclusion, and psychosocial support in collaboration with humanitarian organisations. Through interactive artistic formats, clowns engage migrant children and unaccompanied minors in parades filled with music and playful props, participatory clown shows and the multi-day Circus Smile workshop, where children learn circus skills before performing for aid workers and families. Additionally, the programme includes the Humour Relief Workshop for aid workers, medical staff, and volunteers, which aims to strengthen emotional connection, enhance social interactions, and reduce stress.

This research project combines qualitative and quantitative methods to explore how humour and playfulness can enhance wellbeing in crisis settings, filling a significant gap in the literature on artistic interventions, including healthcare clowning, in humanitarian contexts. It will evaluate the effectiveness of clowns’ artistic interventions on the wellbeing and social connectedness of unaccompanied minors, while also examining how the Humour Relief Workshop, aimed at aid workers, helps reduce stress, strengthen team cohesion, and improve coping mechanisms in high-pressure environments.

Research leadership and collaboration

Dr. Eliala Alice Salvadori, who holds a PhD in Developmental Psychopathology and a Master’s in Child Development from the University of Amsterdam, will lead the research. As a postdoctoral researcher engaged with RED NOSES, she will collaborate with experts from universities across Europe and the United States, including the vast network of researchers connected with the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, which was established in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Europe, NYU Steinhardt, Community Jameel and Culturunners. 

“Humour and play are not frivolous in crisis—they are lifelines,” says Nisha Sajnani, Associate Professor and Director of the NYU Steinhardt Graduate Program in Drama Therapy, and Founding Co-Director of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab. “This research marks a vital step in understanding how artistic interventions like healthcare clowning can support emotional resilience and restore a sense of humanity and connection for both displaced children and those who care for them.”

Towards policy impact

The Emergency Smile Research Project aims to shed light on the importance of artistic interventions with people involved in forced migration. RED NOSES International’s commitment to bringing joy to those in crisis highlights the importance of integrating artistic approaches into aid efforts, ensuring that both displaced children and those supporting them can experience moments of connection, relief, and hope despite their challenging circumstances. Findings from the study will contribute to policy recommendations for local and international organisations, guiding more effective psychosocial support strategies for displaced communities.

About

RED NOSES International brings joy and relief to people in need through the art of healthcare clowning. With eleven partner offices across different countries, RED NOSES has tirelessly spread the power of laughter around the globe. Its Emergency Smile programme offers psychosocial support in conflict and disaster zones, where professional clown teams create safe spaces for children and caregivers to restore hope, dignity, and human connection. The program also supports aid workers through stress-relieving Humour Relief Workshops that foster resilience and team cohesion.

The Jameel Arts & Health Lab, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), is a global initiative leveraging scientific evidence, artist-led advocacy, and a global Healing Arts campaign to drive the integration of the arts in clinical and public health. The Lab was co-founded by WHO Regional Office for Europe, NYU Steinhardt, Community Jameel and Culturunners.

Contact

For any further information or inquiries, please contact Silvia De Faveri, PhD, Research and Learning Manager, at silvia.de-faveri[at]rednoses.org