Kharkiv Academy of Hospital Clowning
- This is the educational and practical focus of the NGO ‘Kharkiv Foundation for Psychological Research’.
- This is where a professional community of clowns is being formed; they visit healthcare facilities to conduct clown therapy sessions and put on interactive performances and shows at shelters, support centres and within communities across Kharkiv and the surrounding region.
- The course combines psychology, art and practical techniques. Students at our academy learn tools for dealing with emotions and crisis situations, improvisation, interaction, physical expression and more.
- The greatest emphasis is placed on developing empathy for others, as well as the ability to be there for them during difficult times. Here, through play, humour, connection and interaction, they learn to create a safe emotional space.
A bit of history
Our ‘Fayni Nosy’ – graduates of the Kharkiv Academy of Hospital Clowning – are regularly involved in international initiatives in this field. You can find out more about them on the pages ‘Implemented’ and ‘Active’ projects.
1
In 2025, the Academy implemented the first three-month training course, who completed their course with a practical exam — a performance for children and parents at a shelter. The 12 participants created their own interactive show. Today, the Academy’s graduates conduct clown therapy sessions in hospitals, perform in halls of residence, shelters and communities, thereby supporting children and adults during difficult times.
2
This edition of the academy was made possible by a crowdfunding campaign that raised 180,000 UAH; these funds enabled the training programme to go ahead and laid the foundations for the development of hospital clowning in the region.
3
A fundraising campaign for education is currently underway for 10 selected trainee hospital clowns in Lviv; 8 visits by professional hospital clowns to St Nicholas Children’s Hospital in Lviv;
mentoring and training of new recruits directly in the hospital — alongside an experienced pair of clowns.
3
Graduates of the Academy involved in the implementation of projects in the Kharkiv region. For example, as part of the initiative ‘The “Fayni Nosy” Hospital Clowns Show as a Form of Creative Psychosocial Support’, the team is creating a new interactive performance for children. It is a dynamic creative process where even the challenges of wartime have become part of the art — such as rehearsals during blackouts, which inspired the creation of shadow theatre elements.
Our photo gallery
The project involves a series of visits to communities in Kharkiv and the surrounding region with dozens of events for children and their families. These gatherings provide a supportive environment where, through play, interaction and laughter, children can reduce their anxiety, feel safe and, for a while, return to the feeling of a normal childhood.
The Kharkiv Academy of Hospital Clowning offers more than just training, a new culture of support is taking root here, where, alongside children and adults during the most difficult times, there are trained professionals who, using simple yet profound tools—play, attention, support and sincerity—are able to help them navigate challenging experiences.