In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Peace of Art has initiated free online guitar classes, created by our dedicated Irish member, Dan Wehlan. These lessons aim to foster community engagement and promote social impact during challenging times. By providing accessible musical education, we facilitate capacity building and advocate for human rights through artistic expression. These classes are freely available on the Peace of Art YouTube channel, ensuring that individuals across various backgrounds can participate in sustainable development initiatives through music. Join us in this transformative endeavor to enrich lives and strengthen communities.

Berlin, 30 July 2020 – At the second Social Art Award Ceremony, organized by the Institute for Art and Innovation in partnership with Lebanese NGO Peace of Art, artists from 15 countries gathered under the theme Peaceful Revolutions. The event celebrated socially engaged art that promotes human rights, community engagement, and sustainable development. Winners included Narcissa Gold (USA), Melinda Mouzzanar (Lebanon), and Bogna Grazyna Jaroslawski (Poland/Germany), with Kingson Kin Sing Chan (UK/Hong Kong) receiving an honorary mention. The award fosters capacity building and advocacy, recognizing art as a powerful tool for social impact and inclusive global dialogue.

A total of 2,000 euros was raised through a donation campaign led by "Peace of Art" and "Projekt 009." These funds were allocated to our team in Lebanon, where we purchased food items for 50 initial food parcels. The aim is to provide these parcels, which include perishable goods requiring cooling, to families affected by the recent bombings in Beirut. Distribution will occur gradually in several phases to ensure timely delivery. Additionally, children's diapers were included in the rations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who supported and contributed to this initiative, fostering community engagement and enhancing social impact.

Lebanon, 12 August 2020 – Following the devastating Beirut explosion on August 4, Peace of Art volunteers immediately mobilized to clear debris, deliver aid, and support affected families—filling critical gaps in government response. In past crises, from wildfires to floods, youth have consistently led frontline relief efforts across Lebanon. On International Youth Day, Peace of Art launches its Youth Relief Support Team, dedicated to community engagement and emergency response. The initiative will build youth capacity, deploy rapid-response teams, and strengthen humanitarian aid networks. Join us in empowering youth to lead sustainable, community-driven solutions.

Peace of Art initiated the “We Play for Peace” project, with support from the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations via its Youth Solidarity Fund for the 2019-2020 cycle. This initiative focused on community engagement and capacity building by training sports coaches in conflict resolution techniques through sports. The project incorporated activities such as Yoga and Volleyball, fostering interaction among youth from diverse backgrounds. By promoting human rights and advocacy for social cohesion, “We Play for Peace” aims to create a sustainable impact on community development and youth empowerment through inclusive sports programming.

Peace of Art proudly announces the launch of the “We Rise Through Art” project in Beirut, funded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This initiative aims to provide essential psychosocial support through art for children and youth impacted by the psychological and physical trauma following the August 2020 explosion in Beirut. The program encompasses various activities, including art and drawing workshops, rhythm and music sessions, drama, dance, and sports, along with recreational trips. This project not only promotes community engagement but also contributes to capacity building and advocacy for human rights and sustainable development through the lens of art and social impact.

Peace of Art has initiated a Training of Trainers (TOT) program to enhance the capabilities of our civil trainers in the methodology of "Peace Leadership and Nonviolent Communication." This framework is designed to be integrated into our youth programs, fostering community engagement, capacity building, and the promotion of human rights. By equipping trainers with these essential skills, we aim to advocate for sustainable development and increase social impact within the communities we serve. Our commitment to empowering youth through effective communication and leadership training is pivotal to fostering a culture of peace and resilience.

On November 6, 2020, Peace of Art inaugurated the "Art Against Violence" project across four regions: Kaa, Fakiha, Al-Ain, and Arsal. Funded by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, the initiative focuses on community engagement and capacity building for youth aged 14 to 29. This program offers training in six artistic disciplines: drawing, photography, filmmaking, piano, guitar, and theater. Additionally, participants receive civil training in areas such as conflict resolution, peace building, conflict mediation, and leadership skills. The project aims to empower talented youth to combat violence and generate social impact through their artistic expressions.

On October 27, 2020, ARBEIT UND LEBEN Sachsen hosted a workshop titled "Art and Culture in Peace Building and Political Engagement of Young Migrants" at the Dresden Foreigners Council. Led by Mahdi Yahya, CEO of Peace of Art Lebanon, and Abdulaziz Bachouri, Director of the Fair Integration Project, the workshop facilitated community engagement among participants.

On October 6th, the Peace of Art organization commenced the implementation of the "Line Up Live Up" initiative, also known as “Al Haraka Baraka,” under the auspices of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This program utilizes a trainer's guide designed to foster community engagement and capacity building. Young men and women from various surrounding villages participated in training sessions aimed at developing essential life skills through sports. This initiative equips participants to effectively address daily life challenges, stress factors, and interpersonal conflicts, thereby promoting human rights and sustainable development within their communities.

On November 19, 2020, in response to the ongoing global lockdown and to prioritize the safety of our students and trainers, Peace of Art successfully launched online training sessions for the 'Arts Against Violence' project via the Zoom platform. These sessions focused on community engagement and capacity building, facilitating the development of essential soft skills and effective communication techniques. Facilitated by professional trainers Ingrid Chidiac and Talib Arafat, the program also included specialized training in filmmaking and cinematography. This initiative aims to empower youth, promote human rights, and create sustainable social impact through advocacy in the arts.

On December 4, 2020, MTV’s program “Sunday Talk” featured Ms. Vera Al Mawla, president of the “Peace of Art” NGO, alongside artist Carole Samaha in the “Woman of the Week” segment. This recognition highlighted the significant positive impact that “Peace of Art” has achieved over the past four years in the Baalbek-Hermel region. Through community engagement, capacity building, and advocacy for human rights, the organization has fostered sustainable development and enhanced social impact within the local communities. Ms. Al Mawla’s leadership exemplifies the commitment to empowering individuals and promoting social transformation.

On December 18, 2020, the Peace of Art Association commemorated the International Day of the Arabic Language. This event represents a foundational step towards fostering community engagement and promoting cultural heritage through the establishment of new Arabic calligraphy classes. By incorporating this initiative into our capacity-building efforts, we aim to enhance understanding and appreciation of Arabic as a vital component of human rights and sustainable development. The program will serve as a platform for advocacy and social impact, empowering individuals and communities through artistic expression and linguistic education.

On December 13, 2020, Peace of Art conducted an entertainment trip as part of its psychosocial support initiative, "We Rise through Art." This project, funded by the UNESCO Office, aims to engage children in the Karantina area, who directly experienced the traumatic effects of the recent explosion. By fostering community engagement and providing capacity-building opportunities, the program promotes human rights and sustainable development. The initiative not only offers a creative outlet but also serves as a platform for advocacy and enhances social impact among affected youth, reinforcing their resilience and rebuilding their lives through art.