Meet Khalil Khalil as he shares what he learned during the Digital Storytelling Training at Peace of Art. 💙

Every experience is a new story. Every voice has the power to make an impact.

During our Citizenship Training, participants explored the values of responsibility, participation, inclusion, and respect. Through engaging discussions and interactive activities, they discovered how small actions can make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Building stronger communities starts with informed, empowered, and engaged citizens. Together, we're shaping a future where every voice matters. 🤝💙

On 6 May, we were pleased to welcome the Metle Metlak Center for Creativity and Thought from Arsal, Lebanon, to the Peace of Art Center.

Metle Metlak is dedicated to supporting and empowering children and youth, especially individuals with disabilities and learning difficulties, through educational and rehabilitation services, including speech therapy, sensory-motor occupational therapy, and creative activities that foster learning, self-expression, and confidence.

Their visit was a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, strengthen connections, and explore future collaborations that promote inclusion, creativity, and equal opportunities for all.

Together, we continue building a more inclusive, creative, and peaceful community. 🕊️🎨

We are proud to share that Vera Al-Mawla, President and Co-Founder of Peace of Art International, is featured in the opening episode of Peace Corner Podcast.

In this powerful conversation, Vera discusses the realities of war and militarisation, the role of youth in peacebuilding, civilian protection, and the transformative power of art as a tool for dialogue, resilience, and healing across the SWANA region.

🎧 Episode Title:
“Peace Under Pressure: How Peacebuilders Resist and Adapt – War, Resilience, and Youth in the SWANA Region”

Through their projects and research, the students showcased initiatives focused on peacebuilding, education, creativity, technology, and community empowerment, reflecting the impact of cross-cultural collaboration and youth-driven change. 🌍🎨
We are grateful for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to creating meaningful social impact.

Are you between 18 and 30 years old and ready to learn, create, and grow?

This is your opportunity to develop valuable skills, explore your creativity, and connect with other motivated young people through our interactive training program.

Participants will take part in practical, hands-on sessions covering:

• 📸 Photography

• 🎬 Filmmaking & Content Creation

• 🎤 Media & Communication Skills

• 🤝 Body Language & Public Speaking

• 💻 Coding & Programming

Throughout the program, you'll gain practical experience, strengthen your confidence, enhance your communication skills, and build meaningful connections with peers who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities.

Participant @zekra_bakkour shares what she learned about Digital Storytelling at Peace of Art.

💡 “Digital storytelling uses images, videos, sound, and technology to tell meaningful stories, raise awareness, and create positive change.”

At POA, we empower young people to turn their voices into impactful stories. 🎙️🌍

In times of uncertainty, children are often the most affected. Their worlds shift quickly, and what they need most is not only protection, but also space to express themselves, feel heard, and rediscover joy.

Through creative activities centered on colors and storytelling, we are working to bring smiles back to children’s hearts. These simple yet powerful tools allow children to communicate emotions that are often difficult to put into words. A drawing, a painted shape, or a short story can become a bridge between inner feelings and the outside world.

The focus was clear and impactful:

Precision: Crafting concise and intelligent messages.

Professionalism: Maintaining a tone that reflects our high standards.

Efficiency: Managing information flow with smart strategies.

Better communication leads to stronger collaboration! We are incredibly proud of our trainees' passion for continuous growth and development. 🌟

During the International Bremen Peace Award ceremony, organized by the Schwelle Foundation, Mr. Mahdi Yahya founder of the organization was honored with the award in the category of “Pioneering Work” in recognition of his humanitarian and cultural commitment to peace, dialogue, and humanity.

The evening focused on Mahdi Yahya’s journey, the message behind Peace of Art, and the importance of continuing to speak about the humanitarian reality in Lebanon. Through powerful speeches, emotional music performances, and an open discussion led by journalist Thomas Joppig, the event became more than an award ceremony — it became a space of solidarity, reflection, and responsibility.

A deeply moving laudatio was delivered by Mrs. Karoline Linnert, former Mayor of Bremen, former Senator of Finance, and patron of the International Bremen Peace Award. The evening also included a special musical tribute titled The Search, performed by guitarist Alaa Al-Haddad in honor of Mahdi Yahya.

Peace of Art considers this recognition not only an appreciation of past work, but also a responsibility to continue defending peace, human dignity, and the voices of people affected by war and displacement.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who was part of this unforgettable evening.

We are proud to announce that our very own Mahdi has been named a recipient of the Bremen Peace Award 2026. This prestigious recognition was highlighted by Dr. Benjamin Peters during the University of Michigan’s Global Engagement Symposium, marking a historic moment for Peace of Art International.

A Growing Global Partnership

This award celebrates the success of our ongoing partnership with the Global Scholars Program (GSP) at the University of Michigan. Now in its second consecutive year, this collaboration bridges the gap between grassroots activism and academic excellence.

Mentorship in Action: Under Mahdi’s leadership, Peace of Art International mentors students within the GSP, providing them with real-world insights into humanitarian work and peacebuilding.

A Living-Learning Community: The GSP brings together students from over 36 countries to tackle critical global issues through dialogue and collaboration.

joining a panel discussion organized by the school with students specializing in journalism, politics, and the arts, under the programs organized by Die Schwelle Foundation.

The panel brought together inspiring students creating a space for open, honest, and meaningful dialogue. This visit is part of the events surrounding the International Bremen Peace Award, by Die Schwelle Foundation, honoring Mr. Mahdi’s pioneering work in peacebuilding — a recognition we carry with deep gratitude.

Thank you to Die Schwelle Foundation and to the school of Oberschule an der Lerchenstraße for the warm welcome and for making this conversation possible. 🕊️

On January 16, Peace of Art convened WARD’s (Working Assembly for Rights and Dialogue) first online coordination meeting of 2026, uniting national and local civil society leaders to align strategies for the year ahead. In a landscape defined by shrinking funding and regional crises, the session marked a critical shift from individual survival toward collective resilience.

Key Outcomes for 2026:

Operational Alignment: Reaffirming WARD’s role as a central hub to help NGOs navigate increasing regional pressures.

Intelligence Sharing: Launching new tools for funding intelligence and structured communication to speed up resource delivery.

Thematic Focus: Establishing two new Working Groups to tackle humanitarian and developmental challenges through shared expertise.

On February 12, 2026, Peace of Art welcomed UNESCO for a milestone visit to review our ongoing collaboration and witness the tangible impact of our joint initiatives.

Showcasing Talent & Tradition

The visit highlighted the incredible skill and dedication behind two of our flagship projects:

Carpet Weaving: Preserving traditional craftsmanship while providing sustainable livelihoods.

Photovoice: Using the lens of a camera to empower local voices and tell stories of community resilience.

A Partnership for the Future

This exchange allowed us to share vital insights and refine our strategies for the year ahead. By combining UNESCO’s global expertise with PeaceofArt’s grassroots creative approach, we are strengthening our commitment to an empowered, art-driven future for Lebanon. 🕊️🤝

Peace of Art recently concluded its Youth Leadership Program, a transformative initiative that successfully empowered a new cohort of young changemakers across the Bekaa region.

By moving beyond traditional education, the program focused on turning potential into tangible community action through several key development pillars:

Public Speaking & Advocacy: Participants mastered the art of communication, gaining the confidence to voice regional issues and present solutions to stakeholders.

Strategic Leadership: The curriculum focused on project management and the practical steps required to turn grassroots ideas into impactful community projects.

Civic Networking: The program served as a vital bridge, connecting motivated peers and established local leaders to foster a long-term support network within the Bekaa.

Professional Certification: Each graduate received a certificate, formalizing their growth and enhancing their professional profiles for future career opportunities.

Through this initiative, Peace of Art has reinforced its commitment to ensuring that the next generation of Lebanese leaders is not just ready to speak, but ready to lead.

In line with our commitment to a stable Lebanon, Peace of Art’s Executive Director, Mr. Ibrahim Yahya, participated in a national roundtable focused on socio-economic reform.

Organized by the Ministry of Economy and Trade, in partnership with the LFPCP and the Norwegian Embassy, the session was a key part of the "National Policy Dialogues for Reform" project.

Our Goal: To strengthen the connection between civil society and decision-makers, ensuring community voices drive national policy and sustainable change. 🇱🇧🤝

On International Women’s Day, we honor the women across Lebanon whose strength and resilience keep our society moving forward. Even in the face of adversity, their determination ensures that care and solidarity continue to flourish.

From the community leaders to the quiet heroes, we celebrate the women who:

Lead with courage.

Rebuild with hope.

Inspire change every single day.

To the women of Lebanon: your spirit is our greatest source of hope. Happy International Women's Day!

Join our Arts + Storytelling Workshops designed for kids aged 7–11. A world of imagination and fun is just a phone call away!
📍 Location: Ain & Jdaideh Center.
🚌 Transportation: Available.
📞 Contact us: 81 950 102
Art for everyone. Sign up today!

Peace of Art invites you to join our new creative trainings in:
✨ Digital Storytelling
📸 Photography
🎥 Filmmaking
🎨 Creative Expression

An opportunity to learn new skills, express your ideas, and connect with a creative community.

📞 Contact us: 81 950 102

This week, Mr. Mahdi Yahya, founder of Peace of Art, will be in Bremen to receive the International Bremen Peace Award. As the honored awardee and central figure of the Bremen Peace Award Week, the program is dedicated to his work and impact. Through a series of events, he will share insights into his journey, his peace initiatives, and the “Peace of Art” project, highlighting how art can build bridges between cultures and foster dialogue, understanding, and unity.

At a time of war, especially in Lebanon, when pain and loss are part of daily life, I still believe that hope must remain stronger than fear. This award is not only mine — it belongs to every mother who has lost her child to war, to every family carrying unseen wounds, and to every voice that still believes in peace. I dedicate this recognition to the Lebanese mothers whose strength and resilience continue to inspire the world. Through art, we will continue to stand for life, dignity, and humanity

welcomed Mr. Mahdi Yahya, founder of the Peace of Art, at the premises of Leben in Nord (Life in the North), in the presence of a distinguished group of members of the Arab community in northern Bremen.

The meeting featured a rich and open discussion, during which attendees shared their main concerns and the challenges facing the Arab community in Germany, while exchanging views on ways to strengthen the Arab community’s presence and support its positive and active integration.

Mr. Mahdi Yahya also presented the journey of Peace of Art, highlighting the cultural and community initiatives and projects he leads in both Germany and Lebanon, which aim to build bridges of dialogue and reinforce the role of art and culture as tools for communication and positive change.

The gathering provided a valuable space for intellectual exchange and constructive dialogue, underscoring the importance of continuing such initiatives to strengthen bonds within the Arab community and open new horizons for cooperation and collective action.

Humanity is our first choice.

Amidst the ongoing displacement and the challenges facing our nation, Peace of Art remains committed to the frontlines of compassion. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission—giving without pause and working tirelessly to turn pain into hope. 🌱

We extend our support to every family affected by the current crisis, ensuring that solidarity defines this difficult chapter.

December 27, 2025 - Peace of Art organized a Winter Souk that brought together local producers and artisans from Ain, Al-Fakeha, and surrounding towns. The market provided a space for community members to showcase handmade and homemade products, including soaps, accessories, wax-made items, and a variety of desserts, snacks, and food. A key highlight of the Souk was the traditional carpets of Al-Fakeha, which reflected the town’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. This activity is supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund and the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals, as well as France (via a voluntary contribution to the Lebanon PCPD special account).

Through this initiative, Peace of Art aimed to support local livelihoods, especially those led by women and young people, encourage creativity, and strengthen community connections by celebrating both art and tradition.

📅 3–4 July
Together, we're creating a space where young people can learn new skills, exchange ideas, and strengthen their capacity to create positive change in their communities. Through interactive sessions and hands-on learning, participants will gain practical knowledge, build confidence, and connect with others who share their passion for growth.
This is just the beginning—stay tuned as we share highlights from our journey!