A Signature Program of the Global Impact Initiative
The Global Impact Initiative (Gii) is proud to partner with YMCAs across Austin to host the Refugee Arts Crafts Bazaar—a vibrant celebration of creativity, resilience, and cultural heritage within our refugee communities.
These special events bring together refugee artists, artisans, and food makers from across the globe to showcase and sell their work. More than just markets, these bazaars are a platform for empowerment—supporting talented individuals in gaining visibility, building sustainable income streams, and forging paths to long-term employment.
None of this would be possible without the hard work of the refugee vendors, the commitment of YMCA staff, and the unwavering support of our incredible Gii volunteers.
What You’ll Find
Each bazaar offers a curated marketplace filled with unique, handmade, and culturally significant items. Visitors can shop:
Handcrafted jewelry and accessories
Original artwork and paintings
Traditional and fusion foods, desserts, and drinks
Handsewn pillows, dolls, and pouches
Cultural clothing and textiles
Gifts, home decor, and more
But this is no ordinary arts and crafts fair—the products are the work of skilled creators seeking not only income, but also opportunity, recognition, and the dignity of stable work in their chosen fields.
By the Numbers
Over our last 10 events:
200+ refugee vendors represented over 12 countries
Welcomed 5,000+ attendees
44 women secured contract-based employment
16 individuals received full-time job offers
Each bazaar averages 35 vendors
$250,000+ in total sales, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the refugee vendors
What’s Next
Thanks to overwhelming community support and the powerful outcomes we’ve already seen, the bazaar has gone national! It debuted at the NAFSA: Association of International Educators National Conference in Orlando in May 2026, and at the NAFSA Region III Conference in Fort Worth in October 2026. We have now been invited to NAFSA’s national conference in Los Angeles, scheduled for June 2027.
Gii and the YMCA are committed to growing this initiative. Each new bazaar expands vendor opportunities, attracts more employers, and opens critical pathways to employment and stability for refugee families.
Media Coverage
CBS Austin
YMCA hosts arts & crafts bazaar for refugees
FOX 7 Austin
Refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan sell crafts at YMCA holiday bazaar
KXAN Austin
Refugee Holiday Arts and Crafts Bazaar
Refugee Mother’s Day Bazaar features crafts around the world
KVUE Austin
Refugee Holiday and Food Bazaar festival in Austin
Yahoo News
Hand-made goods available during Refugee Mother’s Day Bazaar
Quotes:
“I saw so much joy and motivation from refugee vendors who were hoping for a miracle, and you made that happen!”
—Elizabeth Arhunova, Ukrainian Refugee
“The Y has a long history of supporting refugee and immigrant communities both in America and worldwide. And so, we want to create welcoming spaces where we can bring people of diverse backgrounds together and, you know, embrace our newest neighbors here in Austin and show our support.”
—Sean Doles of Greater Austin YMCA
