Reconnecting Through Expression & Participation.
After a year dominated by crisis response and disruption, 2021 became a year of reconnection. Peace of Art continued working within the realities of the pandemic while rebuilding opportunities for young people and communities to learn, create, discuss difficult social issues and participate publicly.
Music, filmmaking, murals, theatre, civic education, youth skills, women's rights and media increasingly formed part of one broader approach: creating spaces where people could develop their voice, meet across differences and participate constructively in their communities.
Connection returned, but the work had changed.
The pandemic had demonstrated that maintaining human connection was itself important. In 2021, Peace of Art moved gradually back toward physical activities while retaining lessons from digital programming and crisis response.
The organization increasingly used its artistic spaces not only for learning creative skills, but also for discussions about violence, gender equality, youth participation, mental well-being, social cohesion and the role young people could play in public life.
Reconnecting Through Creative Expression
The first months of 2021 still reflected the uncertainty of the pandemic. Peace of Art used communication, creative challenges and community outreach to maintain connection while gradually restoring opportunities for in-person participation.
Beginning 2021 With a Message of Health & Peace
Peace of Art entered 2021 after a year marked by COVID-19, the Beirut explosion and significant social and economic pressure in Lebanon.
The organization's New Year message centered on health and peace—a simple reflection of priorities that had become particularly meaningful after 2020. It also marked the beginning of another year in which the organization would need to balance community programming with changing public-health conditions.
“Arts vs COVID”: Documenting Lockdown Through Art
During another period of COVID-19 restrictions, Peace of Art launched the “Stay at Home” drawing competition as part of its Arts vs COVID initiative.
Participants were invited to use drawing to represent their experiences, ideas and emotions during confinement. At a moment when physical gatherings were restricted, the initiative maintained a simple but important form of participation: people could still create, communicate and share their perspectives with one another.
Selected entries were shared through Peace of Art's social-media platforms and winning works received prizes, giving participants an additional public platform for their creative expression.
Opening Community Conversations on Violence Against Women
On International Women's Day, Peace of Art announced awareness sessions addressing violence against women. The activity reflected the organization's increasing attention to gender-based violence as a community concern rather than an issue affecting women alone.
The sessions were intended to create opportunities to discuss forms of violence, increase awareness and encourage both women and men to consider their roles in building safer and more respectful relationships and communities.
Recognizing Mothers Within the Peace of Art Community
Peace of Art marked Mother's Day by recognizing mothers as important contributors to children's development, education, creativity and social values.
As an organization working extensively with children and young people, the message also acknowledged the often unseen role families play in enabling young participants to learn, create and engage with their communities.
Sharing Peace of Art's Local Experience With Journalist Megumi Ito
Japanese journalist Megumi Ito visited Peace of Art to learn about its activities, educational programs and the realities of community-based work in North Bekaa.
Interviews with team members provided an opportunity to explain how the organization had evolved from arts education into a wider model connecting creative learning with youth engagement and peacebuilding.
Visits of this kind also reflected growing external interest in the organization's experience and in the social context of the Baalbek-Hermel region.
Opening the Peace of Art Band to New Musicians
Peace of Art invited young musicians and singers to join its musical band, continuing an approach that had existed since the organization's early years: developing artistic skills while giving young performers opportunities to participate in cultural and public events.
The band functioned not only as a performance group, but as a meeting space for musicians from different backgrounds who could rehearse, learn and represent messages of cultural diversity together.
Sharing Lessons With the UNDP Youth Leadership Programme
Peace of Art founder Mahdi Yahya was invited to contribute to the seventh edition of UNDP's Youth Leadership Programme in Lebanon.
Drawing on Peace of Art's experience, the intervention focused on the role young people can play in developing initiatives within their own communities and on the persistence required to move an idea from an informal initiative toward sustained civil-society work.
The invitation also reflected a development in Peace of Art's role: the organization was increasingly contributing its own experience to wider youth-learning spaces rather than participating only as a trainee.
Exploring Music as a Language of Dialogue
A major theme of 2021 was the relationship between music and peacebuilding. Peace of Art moved this discussion beyond performance by engaging musicians, researchers and institutions in examining how intercultural music can contribute to dialogue, democracy and social connection.
Intercultural Music for Peacebuilding & Societal Change
The initiative brought together Peace of Art, the International Centre for Human Sciences – CISH UNESCO, Hanns Seidel Stiftung and musicians and practitioners to examine something central to Peace of Art's identity: how music can create encounters between people while also opening conversations about democracy, rights, dialogue and social change.
Bringing Musicians & Peacebuilding Practitioners Together
Peace of Art joined CISH-UNESCO and Hanns Seidel Stiftung in preparing a roundtable and concert around the theme “Intercultural Music for Peacebuilding and Societal Change.”
The event was designed to combine discussion with practice: speakers would examine the relationship between music, dialogue and societal change, while musicians would demonstrate intercultural exchange through live performance.
Intercultural Music, Democracy & Societal Change
The World Music Day roundtable took place at the International Centre for Human Sciences – CISH UNESCO in Byblos.
Mahdi Yahya contributed remotely, while Peace of Art President Vera Al-Mawla participated in the discussion “Musical Dialogue: A Tool for Democracy and Societal Change.”
The program explored how music can become more than entertainment when it creates space for exchange, represents different identities and provides an accessible way to bring people into discussions that might otherwise remain divided by social or political boundaries.
The day concluded with a Peace of Art Band performance alongside other artists, connecting the conceptual discussion directly with artistic practice.
From Artistic Skills to Public Peace Messages
Art Against Violence became one of the clearest expressions of Peace of Art's program model. Participants did not simply attend art classes. They learned creative skills alongside peacebuilding concepts and then used those skills to produce films, theatre, photography, music and murals addressing violence and community concerns.
Turning Youth Perspectives on Violence Into Film
Participants from Art Against Violence gathered at the Peace of Art center to produce a short film addressing violence from their own perspectives.
The production process allowed young participants to apply filmmaking skills while working collectively on how violence could be represented, discussed and challenged without reproducing it.
This connection between technical artistic learning and a social issue was central to the project: participants became creators of messages rather than passive recipients of awareness activities.
“Arts for Beirut”: Remembering the Explosion Through Creative Work
Approaching the first anniversary of the Beirut Port explosion, Peace of Art launched Arts for Beirut, inviting young people aged 13–18 to create drawings, designs and paintings reflecting on the tragedy.
The competition provided space for young artists to interpret a difficult national event through their own visual language while also preserving memory of those affected.
“We Speak Peace”: Turning a School Wall Into a Public Message
Students participating in Art Against Violence created the mural “We Speak Peace” on the wall of Al-Labwa High School.
Rather than keeping project outputs inside a classroom or exhibition, the mural moved youth expression into a public space. Its imagery connected places, communities and the idea of communicating without violence.
Public murals became an important element of Peace of Art's methodology: young people could leave visible messages within their own communities and contribute directly to the visual environment around them.
Bringing the Different Art Against Violence Disciplines Together
As Art Against Violence entered its concluding phase, participants prepared public presentations, exhibitions and performances across North Bekaa.
Music, drawing, photography, filmmaking and theatre were no longer separate training tracks. Together, they demonstrated different ways young people could communicate experiences, ideas and messages related to violence, coexistence and community life.
Participants Take the Stage at the Art Against Violence Closing
Peace of Art hosted the first of its Art Against Violence closing celebrations, bringing together participants, families, civil-society actors and community stakeholders.
Young participants presented work developed across music, drawing, acting, photography and film. Importantly, the event positioned participants as performers, creators and storytellers rather than simply beneficiaries of a project.
The closing process also allowed families and local stakeholders to see what had been developed during months of training and how artistic learning had been connected with issues affecting young people's communities.
From Acting Exercises to Youth-Written Monologues
Theatre participants from different areas of North Bekaa completed several months of training under trainer Ali Hameda.
The process moved beyond learning acting techniques. Participants developed monologues and performed complete theatrical pieces, translating personal observations and social themes into stories that could be communicated directly to an audience.
Theatre gave participants another form of public voice—one based on character, storytelling, movement and performance rather than formal debate.
“A Picture for Peace”: Another Youth Message Enters Public Space
Participants unveiled “A Picture for Peace” on the wall of Fakiha High School as another public output of Art Against Violence.
Like the earlier mural in Labwa, the work translated project discussions about violence and peace into a permanent visual message in the community itself.
Together, the murals demonstrated a recurring principle in Peace of Art's work: creative education can culminate in something that young people contribute back to the public spaces around them.
Bringing Art Against Violence to a Community Audience in Arsal
Peace of Art held its third Art Against Violence artistic event at Al-Arayesh Hall in Arsal, welcoming approximately 200 people including families, activists, civil-society representatives and local organizations.
Executive Director Ebrahim Yahya opened the event before participants presented drawings, films, photographs, music, monologues and theatre.
The program highlighted diversity among young participants and gave them an opportunity to discuss aspects of Lebanese reality through creative formats that were accessible to a broad community audience.
Expanding From Expression to Participation
2021 also strengthened Peace of Art's work outside purely artistic programming. Workshops and partnerships increasingly addressed civic engagement, gender equality, advocacy, leadership and the ability of young people to participate in public life.
Creating Space for Young People Interested in Public Affairs
Peace of Art hosted workshops of the Activists Academy, organized by the Social and Economic Justice Initiative – Ma'an with participation connected to PAX for Peace.
Young women and men interested in public affairs explored social and economic issues and developed knowledge relevant to civic participation and advocacy.
Hosting the academy reflected Peace of Art's widening role as a community civic space—not only a location for arts education, but a place where young people could meet and discuss questions affecting society.
Building Confidence in Public Speaking
Peace of Art trainers visited Fakiha's Scouts Camp for an interactive workshop covering public speaking, presentation skills and body language.
The objective was practical: helping young participants organize ideas, communicate more confidently and understand how verbal and nonverbal communication influence an audience.
Recognizing the Relationship Between Creativity & Well-Being
On World Mental Health Day, Peace of Art used its public platforms to highlight mental well-being and the role creative activities can play in expression, recreation and social connection.
The message was particularly relevant after prolonged periods of lockdown and crisis. Peace of Art did not present art as a substitute for professional mental-health care; rather, creative activity was recognized as one supportive element within broader community well-being.
Strengthening Project Writing & Advocacy Skills
Members of Peace of Art participated in a training organized by the Forum for Development, Culture and Dialogue focused on project writing and advocacy.
These organizational skills were becoming increasingly important as Peace of Art moved from individual volunteer-led activities toward larger projects requiring structured planning, proposal development and partnerships.
Using Public Art to Address Gender Equality & GBV
In cooperation with Nabad for Development, a public mural was unveiled in Ali El Nahri, Bekaa, as part of a UNFPA-supported initiative addressing women's empowerment, gender equality and gender-based violence.
The activity connected another key Peace of Art method—public visual art—with a specific social issue. Rather than treating gender equality only through closed workshops, the mural made the conversation visible within the community itself.
Reinforcing Peace of Art's Commitment Against Gender-Based Violence
During the year, Peace of Art increasingly incorporated awareness of gender-based violence within community work with young women and men.
The organizational message emphasized that preventing violence requires awareness, participation and changes in social attitudes, and that young men as well as young women need to be part of these conversations.
Connecting Local Youth Work With the Youth, Peace & Security Agenda
As a member of the United Network of Young Peacebuilders at the time, Peace of Art participated in an event marking six years since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security.
The gathering connected organizations and young advocates working in different contexts and highlighted the principle at the center of UNSCR 2250: young people should be recognized as participants in peacebuilding rather than viewed only as recipients of programs.
This principle closely reflected Peace of Art's own approach of creating opportunities for young people to lead, produce, speak and participate.
Investing in Skills for the Next Generation
Several activities during the second half of 2021 looked directly toward the future: youth skills, media literacy, arts education and opportunities for young people to communicate their own ideas.
Skills as a Foundation for Youth Participation
World Youth Skills Day provided an opportunity for Peace of Art to reflect on the range of training it had developed for young people.
Arts, sports, technology, civic education and soft skills had gradually become connected within the organization's programming. The common objective was not simply vocational training, but giving young people practical abilities they could use to communicate, collaborate and participate more confidently.
“Art Elevates Societies”: Combining Photography With Soft Skills
Art Elevates Societies engaged young participants through photography and complementary soft-skills activities.
Photography gave participants a practical medium through which to observe their environment and communicate perspectives. Group activities added opportunities to develop interaction, confidence and communication.
The initiative reflected Peace of Art's increasing tendency to combine technical artistic training with broader personal and interpersonal skills rather than treating the two as separate areas.
Participants Bring Art Elevates Societies to a Community Audience
The initiative concluded with participants, families and community members gathering around performances, music and Lebanese Dabke.
The closing event gave young participants a visible role and connected newly developed creative skills with cultural heritage and collective celebration.
Defending Children's Access to Creative Learning
On World Children's Day, Peace of Art highlighted access to arts education as an important part of children's development and participation.
Music, theatre and drawing can give children opportunities to experiment, communicate and cooperate with others—especially in communities where structured extracurricular activities remain limited.
Launching Young Media Creators
Peace of Art opened applications for Young Media Creators, a program designed to give young participants practical skills in photography, content production and digital publishing.
The project responded to a changing communication environment in which social media had become one of the most influential spaces through which young people receive information, express opinions and shape public discussion.
The objective was therefore broader than teaching how to produce attractive content. Participants would develop the ability to communicate ideas deliberately and use digital media as a tool for informed participation and advocacy.
Celebrating Arabic as Language, Heritage & Expression
Peace of Art marked World Arabic Language Day by highlighting Arabic as both a means of communication and an important part of cultural identity and artistic heritage.
Language, like music and visual art, can connect people through shared cultural references while also preserving diverse forms of expression. This made Arabic language and calligraphy a natural extension of Peace of Art's wider cultural work.
Young people increasingly became creators, speakers & participants.
Drawing, film, music, photography, murals and theatre gave participants different ways to communicate experiences and ideas.
Music, civic workshops and social-awareness activities increasingly created spaces to discuss difference, violence and community concerns.
Murals, performances, media projects and community events moved youth expression beyond the classroom and into public space.
Partnerships, advocacy training, media education and international engagement expanded Peace of Art's organizational capacity and reach.
Learn. Create. Discuss. Participate.
Develop artistic, media, communication and civic skills.
Transform new skills into music, films, murals, theatre and photography.
Connect creative practice with violence, equality, dialogue and social issues.
Bring youth voices into schools, public spaces, community events and digital media.
Peacebuilding did not begin when the artwork was finished. It happened through the process of learning, meeting, creating, discussing and speaking together.
From participation to deeper community engagement.
Continue through the archive to explore how Peace of Art's programs, partnerships and community work developed in 2022.
2021 — Creativity, Resilience and Social Awareness
In 2021, Peace of Art continued adapting its community work to the social and psychological consequences of the pandemic while maintaining creativity as a space for expression, connection and resilience. Activities included artistic engagement during lockdown, awareness initiatives and continued work around Art Against Violence and community-based arts programming. The year also strengthened our attention to social issues, including women’s rights and violence prevention, while preserving accessible spaces where young people and communities could remain connected during a period of uncertainty.
2021 Activities.
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A Message of Health and Peace from Peace of Art
On this final day of 2020, Peace of Art extends heartfelt wishes for good health and peace to all individuals worldwide. In our commitment to promoting human rights and sustainable development, we recognize the importance of community engagement and advocacy in fostering resilience. We strive to enhance capacity building within communities, aiming to create a positive social impact as we move forward. Together, let us embark on a journey toward unity and peace in the coming year, ensuring that every individual can thrive in a supportive environment.
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Art as Advocacy: Engaging Communities Through Creative Expression During the Pandemic
On January 17, 2021, Peace of Art NGO launched a social media competition titled "Stay at Home" to address the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. This initiative aimed to foster community engagement while promoting human rights and mental well-being through the medium of art. Participants were encouraged to express their experiences and perspectives during lockdown through drawings. The competition not only served as a platform for creative expression but also aimed at capacity building by highlighting the importance of advocacy and social impact within the ongoing discourse on sustainable development. Winning entries were awarded prizes, further incentivizing participation and dialogue.
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Empowering Change: Advocacy Against Violence Towards Women
On March 8, 2022, in recognition of International Women's Day, Peace of Art initiated a series of awareness sessions aimed at addressing the critical issue of violence against women. These sessions serve as a platform for community engagement, focusing on capacity building and advocacy to promote human rights. By fostering dialogue and education, we aim to enhance social impact and contribute to sustainable development. Our commitment to this cause highlights the necessity of collective action in confronting gender-based violence and ensuring the protection and empowerment of women in our communities.
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Celebrating Mothers: Pillars of Peace and Community Engagement
On March 21, 2021, Peace of Art extends heartfelt congratulations to mothers worldwide on the occasion of Mother's Day. Mothers serve as the foundation for peace builders, artists, painters, musicians, and activists. Their invaluable contributions foster community engagement and advocacy, promoting human rights and sustainable development. By nurturing creativity and resilience, mothers empower future generations to champion social impact and drive positive change. Today, we honor their dedication and the profound influence they have in shaping a more compassionate and equitable world. Their unwavering support is fundamental to our collective mission of peace and progress.
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Engagement with Community Initiatives: A Visit by Journalist Megumi Ito
On March 28, 2021, journalist Megumi Ito visited the Peace of Art Association to gain insights into the organization's activities and educational programs. Her visit included comprehensive interviews with the PoA team, focusing on community engagement initiatives, capacity building efforts, and the promotion of human rights. Through this engagement, the Peace of Art Association aims to foster sustainable development and advocate for social impact within the community. Ito's coverage is expected to enhance awareness and support for the association's mission in driving positive change.
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Join Our Musical Band: A Call for Young Musicians and Singers
Are you a youth with a passion for music or singing? Do you aspire to engage with your community while developing your skills and making a positive social impact? Peace of Art invites talented young individuals to apply for our musical band. This opportunity allows you to participate in local and international events, promoting the importance of community engagement and cultural exchange. Apply now to become part of our initiative focused on advocacy, capacity building, and sustainable development through the transformative power of music.
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Empowering Future Leaders: Insights from the Youth Leadership Program
The seventh edition of the Youth Leadership Program (YLP), supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), welcomed Mr. Mahdi Yahya, Chairman of the Board of Directors of "Peace of Art." In his remarks, Mr. Yahya expressed gratitude and provided motivational insights to the participants. His speech emphasized the importance of community engagement, capacity building, and the promotion of human rights as essential components of sustainable development. Through advocacy and fostering social impact, the YLP aims to empower youth leaders who can drive positive change in their communities and beyond.
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Promoting Peace Through Intercultural Music: A Roundtable Initiative
On June 17, 2021, Peace of Art will engage in a roundtable discussion titled “Intercultural Music for Peacebuilding and Societal Change” in honor of World Music Day, celebrated on June 21, 2021. This event features esteemed speakers including Peace of Art's founder and chairman, Mr. Mahdi Yahya, and president, Ms. Vera Mawla, alongside renowned musicians and experts. The International Centre for Human Sciences CISH-UNESCO in Byblos is collaborating with the Hanns Seidel Stiftung - Amman Office to facilitate this gathering. Following the discussions, a concert showcasing exceptional musical performances by the Peace of Art Band and various artists will take place at the CISH premises, overlooking the historic Byblos castle. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to community engagement, capacity building, and advocacy for human rights and sustainable development.
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Harnessing Music for Peacebuilding and Community Engagement
On June 21, 2021, Peace of Art participated in a roundtable titled “Intercultural Music for Peacebuilding and Societal Change,” hosted by the International Centre for Human Sciences CISH-UNESCO in Byblos. The event commenced with an online address from Peace of Art’s chairman, Mr. Mahdi Yahya, alongside President Vera Al Mawla, who contributed to a panel on “Musical Dialogue: A Tool for Democracy and Societal Change.” The day concluded with a performance by Peace of Art’s band, showcasing music and folkloric dance to illustrate the organization’s commitment to community engagement, capacity building, and advocacy for human rights through sustainable development and social impact.
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Promoting Peace: A Short Film Initiative Against Violence
On June 30, 2021, participants from the Art Against Violence project and students of Peace of Art convened at the organization's center to produce a short film aimed at addressing the issue of violence through peaceful means. This initiative underscores the importance of community engagement in addressing social challenges and emphasizes capacity building among youth. Through advocacy and creative expression, the project seeks to promote human rights and contribute to sustainable development. By leveraging art as a tool for dialogue, the participants aim to enhance social impact and inspire transformative change within their communities.
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Art for Beirut: Empowering Youth Through Creative Expression
On July 8, 2021, the Peace of Art NGO launched a social media competition titled “Art for Beirut.” This initiative invited young artists from various backgrounds to express their perspectives on the tragic explosion in Beirut on August 4, 2020, through drawings, designs, and paintings. The competition aimed to promote community engagement and capacity building among youth while fostering awareness about human rights and sustainable development. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries, recognizing their contributions to advocacy and social impact in the aftermath of this calamity.
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Empowering Youth through Skills Development: A Commitment to Future Leadership
On 15 July 2021, in celebration of World Youth Skills Day, the Peace of Art team continues its dedicated efforts to facilitate community engagement and capacity building among youth. Our initiatives provide professional and technical training in arts, sports, technology, and civic engagement, alongside vital soft skills development. Over the years, we have empowered more than 1,000 young women and men, equipping them to become decision-makers and leaders in their communities. As we commemorate this day, Peace of Art extends heartfelt wishes to all youth worldwide, encouraging them to embrace their potential for social impact and advocacy in sustainable development.
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Empowering Change: Launch of the Activists Academy Workshops
On August 7, 2021, at the headquarters of Peace of Art, the "Activists Academy" workshops commenced, orchestrated by the Social and Economic Justice Initiative - Ma'an. This initiative engages a diverse group of young men and women passionate about public affairs. The workshops aim to enhance knowledge and cultural understanding regarding critical youth issues. Through this collaborative effort with Peace of Art and PAX for Peace, the Activists Academy promotes community engagement, capacity building, and advocacy, contributing to human rights advancement and sustainable development within the region, ultimately fostering positive social impact.
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Empowering Future Leaders: Public Speaking Workshop at Fakiha’s Scouts Camp
On September 16, 2021, Peace of Art's team visited Fakiha's scouts camp to conduct an interactive training workshop focused on public speaking, presentation skills, and effective body language. This initiative aimed to enhance community engagement and foster capacity building among children, equipping them with essential skills for advocacy and self-expression. By promoting human rights and sustainable development, the workshop sought to create a lasting social impact, empowering young participants to become confident advocates in their communities. Through such educational efforts, we aim to nurture the next generation of leaders dedicated to positive change.
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The Role of Arts and Music in Promoting Mental Health Awareness
On October 10, 2021, Peace of Art commemorated International Mental Health Day, emphasizing the vital role that arts and music play in mental well-being. This observance underscored the significance of community engagement in fostering awareness and understanding of mental health issues. By integrating art and music into mental health advocacy, organizations can enhance capacity building and promote human rights while contributing to sustainable development. This approach not only enriches individuals' lives but also amplifies social impact, encouraging communities to support one another in their mental health journeys.
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Culmination of the "Arts Against Violence" Project: Community Engagement and Advocacy in Northern Bekaa
As the "Arts Against Violence" project reaches its final stage on 17 October 2021, participants will showcase their artistic expressions through a series of events, activities, and exhibitions across various locations in northern Bekaa. This initiative, funded by the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, aims to foster community engagement and promote human rights, emphasizing advocacy and sustainable development. By highlighting the power of art, the program seeks to build capacity within the community and enhance social impact, demonstrating the transformative role of creative expression in addressing violence.
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We Speak Peace: A Mural Promoting Community Engagement and Advocacy
On October 22, 2021, a mural titled "We Speak Peace" was unveiled on the wall of Al-Labwa High School. This artwork was created by students participating in the "Art Against Violence" project, which is part of a broader initiative aimed at fostering community engagement and promoting human rights through creative expression. The project emphasizes capacity building and advocacy for social change, addressing issues of violence and societal challenges. Funded by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, it exemplifies the role of sustainable development in enhancing social impact within local communities.
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Strengthening Capacity Building through Project Writing and Advocacy Training
On 13 November 2021, the Forum for Development Culture and Dialogue (F.D.C.D.) conducted a comprehensive training session focused on project writing and advocacy. The Peace of Art team actively participated in this initiative, which aimed to enhance their skills and expertise. This training emphasized the critical importance of community engagement, the promotion of human rights, and strategies for sustainable development. By investing in capacity building, the Peace of Art team seeks to amplify its social impact, fostering advocacy efforts that are essential for fostering positive change within the communities they serve.
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Celebrating the Conclusion of the "Art Against Violence" Project
On November 18, 2021, the Peace of Art NGO hosted the inaugural closing celebration for the "Art Against Violence" project. This event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the region, highlighting the importance of community engagement in the arts. Attendees were able to appreciate the talents and works of students enrolled in various creative disciplines, including music, drawing, acting, photography, and film directing. This initiative not only promotes artistic expression but also serves as a platform for capacity building and advocacy, contributing to human rights awareness and sustainable development within the community. The project's social impact underscores the transformative power of art in combating violence.
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Fostering Youth Empowerment through Photography and Skills Development
On November 19, 2021, the "Art Elevates Societies" initiative was launched to engage youth through photography and essential soft skills training. This program aims to promote coexistence and social cohesion, while empowering young individuals to become advocates for human rights and sustainable development within their communities. By emphasizing community engagement and capacity building, the initiative facilitates a platform for youth to share their unique perspectives, ultimately enhancing their social impact. It is essential that such programs continue to cultivate an informed and active youth population capable of driving meaningful change in society.
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The Role of Art in Promoting Peace and Human Rights on International Children’s Day
On 20 November 2021, Peace of Art commemorates International Children’s Day, highlighting the critical role of art education in fostering peace and social impact. Engaging children in creative disciplines such as music, theater, and drawing serves as an essential tool for community engagement and capacity building. By nurturing artistic expression, we cultivate understanding and empathy among young learners. Art, as a universal language, transcends cultural barriers and contributes to sustainable development. This initiative advocates for children's rights to access artistic education, reinforcing the idea that art is fundamental to a harmonious and inclusive society.
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Celebrating Community Engagement through Arts and Culture
On 7 November 2021, Peace of Art concluded its "Art Elevates Societies" initiative with a vibrant closing ceremony. Young participants took center stage to express their creativity, fostering community engagement through artistic expression. The event featured a traditional Lebanese "Dabke," allowing participants to connect with their cultural heritage while celebrating human rights and social impact. Families and friends gathered to enjoy an evening filled with performances, music, and interactive activities. This initiative highlights the importance of capacity building in fostering sustainable development and advocacy within communities, reinforcing the transformative power of the arts.
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Empowering Change: Combating Gender-Based Violence through Community Engagement
Peace of Art is dedicated to safeguarding young women and girls from gender-based violence. Our approach involves building awareness within the community, empowering resilient young women and girls, and fostering engagement among both young women and men. Through targeted advocacy initiatives, we aim to raise consciousness about human rights and promote sustainable development. By enhancing capacity building programs, we strive for a substantial social impact that supports the development of a safer and more equitable society for all. Our mission is to eliminate gender-based violence and cultivate a culture of respect and empowerment.
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Empowering Youth through Theatre: Achievements of the “Art Against Violence” Project
On December 8, 2021, the Peace of Art Theatre classes culminated a transformative journey as part of the “Art Against Violence” initiative. Over several months, youth from various regions of North Bekaa engaged in community-focused training, honing their skills in acting and monologue writing under the guidance of Trainer Mr. Ali Hameda (Ali Etihad). Following extensive training and dedicated efforts, our participants not only crafted their own monologues but also delivered complete theatrical performances that impressed both peers and spectators. This program has successfully fostered artistic expression, highlighting the potential for youth engagement, capacity building, and social impact in the realm of sustainable development and human rights advocacy.
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Empowering Women Through Community Art Initiatives
On December 4, 2021, in partnership with Peace of Art, Nabad for Development unveiled a mural in Beqaa-Riyak, Ali El Nahri. This mural is a key feature of a project supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) aimed at empowering women, combating gender-based violence (GBV), and fostering equality between men and women. Through community engagement and capacity building, this initiative contributes to sustainable development and social impact, reinforcing the importance of advocacy for human rights and gender equality in the region.
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Celebrating the Significance of the Arabic Language on International Day
On December 18, 2021, Peace of Art commemorated the International Day of the Arabic Language, underscoring the vital role this language plays in global discourse. By promoting Arabic, we contribute to cultural preservation and community engagement. This initiative aligns with our mission of capacity building through advocacy efforts that highlight language as a fundamental human right. Emphasizing the importance of Arabic supports sustainable development and enhances social impact within diverse communities. As we celebrate, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue and understanding across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
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Commemorating Six Years of #UNSCR2250: Celebrating Youth Advocacy and Achievements
On the sixth anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250, Peace of Art NGO, as a member of the UNOY family, participated in a commemorative event designed to highlight the contributions of young advocates in the realm of peacebuilding. This gathering celebrated the achievements of the Youth4Peace initiative in 2021, focusing on strategies for community engagement and capacity building aimed at promoting human rights and sustainable development. By shining a light on these accomplishments, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering social impact and advancing advocacy efforts globally.
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Empowering Youth Through Media: Join the Young Media Creators Program
17 December 2021
Are you interested in becoming an influencer and producing impactful content on social media? Join our "Young Media Creators" (YMC) project, where we provide comprehensive training focused on community engagement and capacity building. Participants will acquire essential skills in photography, production, and publishing, enabling them to generate innovative content that advocates for human rights and sustainable development. By nurturing young media creators, we aim to enhance their social impact and equip them with the tools necessary for effective communication and advocacy in today’s digital landscape.
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Mural Initiative Enhances Community Commitment to Peace
On December 5, 2021, participants of the Arts Against Violence program unveiled a mural, "A Picture For Peace," on the wall of Fakiha High School. This initiative aims to engage the community in advocating for peace and building social cohesion. Through artistic expression, the mural represents a collective commitment to human rights and sustainable development. By fostering creativity and awareness, this project contributes to capacity building within the community, ultimately reinforcing the values of peace and promoting positive social impact. Such endeavors are crucial for empowering youth and fortifying community resilience against violence.
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Empowering Youth Through Art: A Community Engagement Initiative
On December 10, 2021, Peace of Art held its third artistic concert at Arsal Al-Arayesh Hall as part of the "Art Against Violence" initiative, attracting approximately 200 attendees, including activists, civil society representatives, and local organizations. This event showcased the artistic talents of youth, focusing on diversity and their aspirations for a brighter future. The gathering provided a crucial platform for community engagement and capacity building. Executive Director Mr. Ebrahim Yahya opened the ceremony, followed by diverse artistic expressions, including drawings, films, photographs, and monologues. The event concluded with a humorous theatrical performance by our students, capturing aspects of Lebanese reality, underscoring our commitment to human rights and sustainable development.
