The Stolen Dreams

Stolen Dreams — Exhibition Report

From August 24 to 28, 2026, the association HOPE organized a five-day art exhibition titled "Stolen Dreams" in Gothenburg, marking the fifth anniversary of the Taliban's return to power. The exhibition aimed to draw attention to the situation of Afghanistan's people, especially women and children.

The Art Exhibition

The exhibition featured works by three Afghan female artists — Sanaz Hakimi, Sana Gholami and Mahnaz Ghodsi — whose oil paintings, charcoal drawings and sculptures portrayed the dreams, restrictions and suffering of Afghan women. The voices of Afghan girls speaking about their stolen dreams could also be heard throughout the space.

Sara Rezaei created wooden figures where visitors could write their own messages to the girls and people of Afghanistan, becoming part of the exhibition themselves.

Closing Day Program

The final day opened with a sound montage of voices from Afghanistan. HOPE's director Sharifeh Sahar welcomed the guests, followed by a presentation by Marzieh Ayoubi who used data from international organizations to illustrate the current situation in Afghanistan.

A panel discussion moderated by Faezeh Veghar followed, featuring:

• Richard Bennett — UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan


• Tony Haddou — Member of the Swedish Parliament


• Dr. Kina Riddergård — child psychologist specializing in children in crisis

Bennett stressed the importance of advocacy outside Afghanistan. Haddou urged citizens with Afghan backgrounds to participate in Swedish elections and expressed concern over deportations. Dr. Riddergård emphasized the family's role in providing children with emotional support during crisis.

Swedish activists and social workers who have supported Afghan migrants and refugees for over a decade were honored with certificates and flowers.

Music

The program concluded with live music by Wali Haidar on rubab and Tamim Azizi on tabla. The music was not mere entertainment but part of the core message of "Stolen Dreams" — an artistic protest against the restrictions the Taliban have imposed on Afghanistan's cultural life.

The message of these five days was simple: Afghanistan and its people must not be forgotten.

Thank You

Thanks to all volunteers and contributors. Special thanks to A Working Lab for hosting the exhibition within Chalmers University's academic environment.