Today, dialogues have become more and more recognized as a unique tool for peacebuilding initiatives. This thesis once again was proved and supported during the discussion «How Art Brings Peace Closer», which took place on Saturday, September 4, at the Festival of Thoughts in Severodonetsk.
Most people know and understand peace initiatives exclusively through the prism of international relations, as something inherent only to the political elites and statesmen. At the same time, art can also be a powerful tool for bringing peace closer, i.e. that art can be the basis for wholly new ideas and narratives, it can break stereotypes, prejudices, and even boundaries.
During the event, our speakers told about their experiences of participating in the art projects and performances connected to the theme of armed conflicts.
By the way, our speakers:
Den Gumenniy – playwright, performer, and teacher. For 7 years he has been working with IDPs and people living near the ‘contact line’
Max Ieligulashvili – facilitator, trainer of non-formal education in the field of human rights, non-discrimination, and socio-political conflicts.
Steven Hristo Evestus is a former Chief State Prosecutor of the Estonian Prosecutor General Office. He is currently a member of the board of Transparency International in Estonia, a theater critic, and co-author of socially critical plays.
Iryna Eihelson – Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Conflict Psychologist, Dialogue Facilitator. Iryna moderated the event
«The speakers who we had invited are not only artists but also the conflict researchers and professional facilitators who use peace dialogues as a tool in their job. Experts noted that we should not romanticize art as it is just a tool, not a problem solution: the result depends on who uses it and how it is used. It may help to resolve conflicts, or, conversely, become a firestarter. What especially caught our attention was that people who just passed through were interested in the event we organized: they were touched by the topic of peacekeeping. People asked questions and were involved in a discussion – and that means that we should continue to discuss the topic,»
– told Natalia Proskurenko, Manager of the Project «Peacebuilding and Reconciliation in Ukraine.»
The recording of the event is available:
Posted by Право на захист on Saturday, September 4, 2021
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