Toolkit

Festivals, Peacebuilding, and Conflict Transformation

Find here a list of useful links to tookits on how the arts can be used in peacebuilding.

Find here a non-exhaustive list of useful list with gathered challenges faced while organising festivals in conflict regions and strategies to tackle them.

Media

Atelier New York - 7 January 2024

Opening Keynote Conversation: "The Power of Festivals in Shifting Harmful Narratives and the Art of Gathering at times of conflict and a need for safeguarding human rights"

Speakers: Kumi Naidoo (South Africa), Kee Hong Low (Hong Kong/UK), Juan Pablo Lopez (Colombia), Meera Dugal (United States) and Thimali Kodikara (United States)

Facilitator: Yazmany Arboleda (Colombia/United States)

Land Acknowledgment and Opening Ritual: Dennis Redmoon Darkeem (United States 

Atelier Elefsina 2023 - 22 June 2023

Panel Discussion: "Festivals in an age of polarisation, conflict and existential threat"

Speakers: Thobile Maphanga (South Africa), Horacio Pérez (Chile) and Nima Deghani (USA/Iran)

Facilitator: Mike van Graaf (South Africa) 

Atelier For Young Festival Managers Nicosia - 8 October 2022

Panel Discussion: Definitions of Peace: What is a 'successful festival' in contexts of conflict? 

Speakers: Brett Pyper (South Africa), Atje Drexler (Germany), Mira El Mawla (Lebanon), Lea Perekres (Belgium), Mwandwe Chileshe (Zambia)