PPG’s New Paint for a New Start Initiative Updates Educational Facility

PPG has completed a transformative makeover at the Association of Parents of Disabled Children (ARDI) Art Center in Almaty, Kazakhstan through its New Paint for a New Start initiative, part of the company’s COLORFUL COMMUNITIES® program. The project brought together more than 30 volunteers, who transformed the center’s social and educational facilities for children with disabilities into inspiring and inclusive spaces.

PPG provided support worth $43,000 (20 million Kazakhstani tenge) for the project, including 300 liters of TIKKURILA paint by PPG. Products included Tikkurila Argentum Plus 20 paint, which protects the painted surface from viruses and bacteria. Colors and designs were chosen based on research that considers the purpose of the room and the age of the children, including beige and red shades for the dance hall and a soothing green for the psychologist’s consulting room. A colorful mural was also created by local artist Sauran Kasteev.

The Art Center is an important component of ARDI’s mission of providing an educational space where children can discover their artistic talents and develop essential life skills. Through a variety of programs and services, ARDI strives to create a supportive environment where children can thrive, develop their potential, and gain confidence.

“We are deeply grateful to PPG for its support in breathing new life into our Arts Center,” said Asiya Akhtanova, director of ARDI. “Every child should grow up in an environment that stimulates creativity and helps them realize their dreams. Bright colors and thoughtful design have created a space where our children can express themselves, develop necessary skills and conquer new heights.”

“At PPG, we believe in the power of color to transform and improve the world. We are honored to be a part of this important project and look forward to seeing the positive changes it will bring,” said Arseniy Rudenko, PPG general manager, Kazakhstan. “Our goal was to create a stimulating environment where children with disabilities could fully explore their creative talents and find inspiration every day, and hopefully we have achieved it.”