Each year, Sibos works with a local charity in the host city to give something back to the community. This has become a core element of the event.</p> The chosen charity for this year is the Anouk Foundation</a>. Based in Geneva, the organisation takes its name from Anouk, a loving and determined little girl with special needs who brightens the lives of those around her.</p> Her inspirational story has brought together an equally determined team, whose mission is to create soothing environments for children and elderly adults staying in hospitals, special needs institutions and nursing homes.</p> </p> </div> </div> </div> The non-profit foundation was established in 2008, and provides art programmes which foster healing and well-being throughout Europe’s medical facilities. Project managers Beatriz Aristimuño and Vanessa von Richter run the Foundation, with small teams of highly-qualified artists, trained in the distinct Anouk methodology, producing the transformative, therapeutic murals.</p> The artists work closely with both patients and healthcare staff to define the project and ensure it meets the needs of those who will ultimately benefit.</p> As Dr MD Raffael Guggenheim, Paediatrician, Triemli Stadtspital, Zurich – Switzerland</strong>, has highlighted: "The colourful paintings are improving our daily work. The most striking thing is that people who were initially sceptical now find it difficult to imagine treating their patients without being surrounded by these marvellous murals.“</p> To date, the organisation has carried out 130 projects in 14 countries across Europe, improving the lives of nearly a million patients. A remarkable achievement.</p> The Auguste Buchet institution</h3> Auguste Buchet, located in Etoy, Switzerland, offers educational programmes which are adapted for those with mental and physical disabilities.</p> It is both a place of learning and a living environment for children aged 4-18 years. It admits up to 60 children, who benefit from specialised teachers and social educators.</p> They receive individual monitoring from speech therapists, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and physiotherapists – a comprehensive programme to build their life skills.</p> SWIFT is proud to be sponsoring the team of artists from the Anouk Foundation who are producing the magnificent murals that will make the building more welcoming and reassuring. The specially-designed artworks will reduce stress and aid recovery.</p> Vanessa von Richter, Project Manager at the Anouk Foundation</strong>, said: “Our vision is to create a world where staying in paediatric hospitals and other medical institutions becomes a more colourful, welcoming and reassuring experience. It is thanks to donors such as SWIFT that our work can continue. Thank you very much for your trust and support.”</p> Francis Vanbever, Chief Financial Officer at SWIFT</strong>, responsible for the organisation’s CSR initiatives, said: “It is a pleasure to support the great work of the Anouk Foundation and its talented artists. Their projects are a truly collaborative effort with the community with whom they are engaging. This resonates well with the spirit of Sibos.”</p> For this year’s Art at Sibos initiative, the artists will also be working onsite at the Palexpo during Sibos week to transform the environment with innovative frescos. We will be revealing more details about this a little closer to the event – so stay tuned!</p>