Responding to Crisis Through Art, Relief & Resilience.
2020 changed the context in which Peace of Art worked. COVID-19 disrupted community programming across Lebanon, while the Beirut Port explosion created urgent humanitarian and psychosocial needs. Peace of Art adapted its programs, mobilized volunteers, supported affected families and continued developing arts, sports and peacebuilding initiatives under difficult conditions.
The work changed because the needs changed.
Peace of Art entered 2020 with a growing portfolio of youth, arts and peacebuilding activities. Within months, the pandemic restricted in-person programming. Then, on 4 August, the Beirut Port explosion created another national emergency. The organization responded by moving learning online, mobilizing volunteers, providing relief and developing programs adapted to children and young people living through crisis.
Keeping Creative Learning Accessible During Lockdown
As public-health restrictions interrupted face-to-face activities, Peace of Art experimented with online artistic education and later adapted project delivery to changing health regulations.
Taking Guitar Lessons Online
When COVID-19 restrictions interrupted face-to-face activities, Peace of Art member Dan Whelan created free online guitar lessons. The videos offered an accessible way for learners to continue engaging with music from home during a period when community spaces were largely closed.
Social Art Award: “Peaceful Revolutions”
Peace of Art partnered with the Institute for Art and Innovation for the second Social Art Award ceremony. Artists from 15 countries participated in the online event, which explored socially engaged artistic responses under the theme “Peaceful Revolutions.”
Moving Art Against Violence Training Online
During renewed lockdown restrictions, elements of Art Against Violence moved to Zoom. Sessions included soft skills, communication and filmmaking-related learning with trainers including Ingrid Chidiac and Talib Arafat.
From Programming to Emergency Response
The Beirut Port explosion created immediate humanitarian needs. Peace of Art volunteers supported affected neighborhoods through relief activities, food assistance and community mobilization while developing longer-term support for children and young people.
Providing Food Assistance After the Beirut Explosion
A joint fundraising effort by Peace of Art and Projekt 009 raised €2,000 for emergency support. The funds were transferred to the Lebanon team, which prepared an initial 50 food parcels, including essential food supplies and children's diapers, for families affected by the explosion.
Formalizing a Youth-Led Disaster Relief Team
Following volunteer mobilization after the Beirut explosion, Peace of Art announced a Youth Relief Support Team. The initiative aimed to organize young volunteers for emergency assistance and strengthen the organization's capacity to respond more systematically during future crises.
Launching “We Rise Through Art”
With support from UNESCO, Peace of Art launched We Rise Through Art for children and young people affected by the Beirut explosion. Activities included drawing, music and rhythm, drama, dance, sports and recreation as part of an arts-based psychosocial-support program.
Adapting Activities to Public-Health Restrictions
Activities implemented during the pandemic incorporated measures including masks, distancing, ventilation, sanitation and reduced-contact delivery. When restrictions intensified, some project activities moved online.
Creating a Recreational Day for Children From Karantina
Children participating in We Rise Through Art joined a recreational outing as part of the wider psychosocial-support program for families from Beirut neighborhoods directly affected by the explosion.
Continuing Peacebuilding Despite the Crisis
Even as emergency needs intensified, Peace of Art continued building structured programs that linked youth participation with sports, creative practice, conflict-resolution skills and nonviolent communication.
“We Play for Peace”
Supported by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations through its Youth Solidarity Fund, We Play for Peace used sports as an entry point for peacebuilding. Activities included yoga and volleyball, while coaches were introduced to conflict-resolution approaches that could be integrated into sports sessions.
Developing Peace Leadership & Nonviolent Communication
Peace of Art introduced a Training of Trainers process for civil trainers focused on Peace Leadership and Nonviolent Communication, with the intention of integrating these methodologies more systematically into future youth programs.
Launching “Art Against Violence”
Peace of Art launched Art Against Violence across Kaa, Fakiha, Al-Ain and Arsal with support from the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. Young people aged 14–29 participated in drawing, photography, filmmaking, piano, guitar and theatre alongside training in conflict resolution, mediation, peacebuilding and leadership.
Developing Life Skills Through Sport
Peace of Art began implementing the UNODC Line Up Live Up methodology, locally referred to as “Al Haraka Baraka.” Young participants from surrounding villages used sports-based activities to explore communication, decision making, stress management and approaches to everyday interpersonal challenges.
Building Capacity Beyond Immediate Response
2020 was not only about crisis management. Peace of Art also continued investing in cultural learning, leadership, external recognition and exchanges that would later contribute to a wider international direction.
Connecting Peacebuilding With Migrant Participation in Germany
ARBEIT UND LEBEN Sachsen hosted a workshop at the Dresden Foreigners Council on “Art and Culture in Peacebuilding and Political Engagement of Young Migrants.” Mahdi Yahya facilitated the peacebuilding component, while Abdulaziz Bachouri addressed opportunities for political participation within Saxon society.
Vera Al-Mawla Featured as “Woman of the Week”
MTV's Sunday Talk program featured Peace of Art President Vera Al-Mawla in its “Woman of the Week” segment, providing national visibility to her leadership and to Peace of Art's work in the Baalbek-Hermel region.
Expanding Creative Learning Into Arabic Calligraphy
On World Arabic Language Day, Peace of Art announced the introduction of Arabic calligraphy activities, extending its creative-learning portfolio while celebrating Arabic language and visual heritage.
Peacebuilding became inseparable from resilience.
Programs moved between physical and digital formats as COVID-19 restrictions changed.
Volunteers moved quickly from community programming into relief and emergency support following the Beirut explosion.
Arts and recreation were incorporated into structured support for children affected by crisis and displacement.
Sports, arts, conflict resolution, leadership and nonviolent communication increasingly became part of one interconnected program approach.
Different methods. One evolving approach.
When the environment changed, the organization changed with it. Art remained part of the response—but relief, resilience and human connection became equally urgent.
From immediate response to sustained recovery & expansion.
Continue through the archive to explore how Peace of Art carried lessons from 2020 into its work in 2021.
2020 — Responding to Crisis Through Art, Relief and Resilience
2020 transformed Peace of Art’s work as Lebanon faced COVID-19 and the devastating Beirut explosion. We adapted arts education to online formats, mobilized volunteers for emergency relief and food assistance, and launched initiatives combining creativity with psychosocial support and community resilience. Major programs included We Play for Peace, UNESCO-supported We Rise Through Art, Art Against Violence and UNODC’s Line Up Live Up initiative, alongside youth-led disaster response and international social-art cooperation. The year also extended our peacebuilding experience to Germany through a workshop in Dresden on art, culture, peacebuilding and political participation among young migrants.
2020 Activities.
-
Empowering Communities Through Music: Free Online Guitar Classes by Peace of Art
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.
-
Social Art as a Catalyst for Peaceful Transformation
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.
-
Community Support Initiatives: Food Distribution Efforts in Beirut
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.
-
Empowering Youth for Community-Led Crisis Response
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.
-
Empowering Youth Through Sports for Peacebuilding
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.
-
Empowering Resilience: The ‘We Rise Through Art’ Project in Beirut
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.
-
Empowering Change Through Training: Peace of Art's Commitment to Nonviolent Leadership
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.
-
Empowering Youth Through the Arts: The "Art Against Violence" Initiative
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.
-
Ensuring Safety and Continuity in Training Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Our organization has consistently adhered to all COVID-19 protocols and precautions, ensuring the safety of our beneficiaries and team throughout our initiatives. Key measures implemented include social distancing, mandatory mask-wearing, continuous ventilation, and rigorous sanitization of training spaces before and after sessions. We provided hand sanitizers and personal protective equipment to all participants and enforced compliance with these safety procedures. In alignment with the Supreme Defense Council's directives and to maintain our commitment to capacity building and sustainable development, we have transitioned all training programs to an online format, ensuring ongoing community engagement and advocacy for human rights and social impact.
-
Empowering Young Migrants Through Art and Culture: A Workshop on Peace Building and Political Engagement, POA Germany
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.
The session commenced with an exploration of concepts related to peace, war, and conflict, guided by Yahya. Following this discussion, participants collaboratively identified strategies to recognize conflicts and achieve peaceful resolutions. In the workshop's second segment, Bachouri presented avenues for political engagement for migrants within Saxon society.
We extend our gratitude to the Federal Agency for Civic Education for its financial support. This initiative reflects our commitment to capacity building, human rights advocacy, and sustainable development in fostering social impact.
-
Empowering Youth Through Sports: The "Line Up Live Up" Initiative
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.
-
Enhancing Youth Capacity Through Online Training in the 'Arts Against Violence' Initiative
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.
-
Peace of Art's President as a Women of the Week
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.
-
Promoting Arabic Language Through Calligraphy: An Initiative by the Peace of Art Association
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.
-
Empowering Communities through Artistic Engagement: A Successful Initiative
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.
