About Peace of Art International
Peace of Art is an international peacebuilding and community development network that works to strengthen peaceful, inclusive, and resilient communities through education, arts and culture, youth and women’s empowerment, civic engagement, dialogue, humanitarian action, and other non-violent approaches to social change.
Peace of Art began in 2016 in North Bekaa, Lebanon, founded by Mahdi Yahya together with Vera al-Mawla and other committed co-founders and community members. What started as a grassroots initiative using art and education to bring together young people from different backgrounds has developed over the past decade into an international network with legally established organizations in Lebanon, the United States, and Germany.
From its beginnings in a region deeply affected by conflict, economic hardship, displacement, and social divisions, Peace of Art has maintained a simple principle: communities themselves can become powerful agents of peace when people are given safe spaces, opportunities, knowledge, and the means to work together.
Today, the Peace of Art family combines locally rooted organizations with an international framework that enables them to cooperate across borders while maintaining their respective legal identities and responsibilities.
At Peace of Art, we are committed to addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable populations and empowering individuals to become agents of change. Our approach is holistic, blending humanitarian relief, community development, civic education, and advocacy to create meaningful, sustainable transformation. Through a combination of educational initiatives, training programs, and emergency response, we are working to rebuild communities, bridge divides, and empower the next generation to lead with compassion, integrity, and ethical responsibility.
Our Organizations
Peace of Art Lebanon
Established: 2016
Official registration: 26 March 2018
Registration No.: 654/2018
Country: Lebanon
Peace of Art Lebanon is the organization from which the Peace of Art journey began. Based in North Bekaa, it works with communities affected by social, economic, and political challenges through peacebuilding, youth and women’s empowerment, education, arts and culture, civic engagement, social cohesion, humanitarian response, livelihoods, sports, and community-based initiatives.
Peace of Art
USA
Legal status: U.S. nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3)
EIN: 37-2018826
Country: United States of America
Peace of Art USA extends the mission of Peace of Art within the United States and internationally, supporting cooperation, partnerships, education, community engagement, and initiatives that contribute to peacebuilding and positive social change.
Registered: April 2026
Registration No.: VR 15263
Legal form: Eingetragener Verein (e. V.)
Country:Germany
Peace of Art Deutschland e. V. strengthens the network’s presence in Germany and Europe. Its work focuses on peacebuilding, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, social cohesion, civic engagement, education, youth participation, cultural exchange, and cooperation with German and European partners.
Peace of Art International Network
Peace of Art International Network brings together the three legally independent Peace of Art organizations:
Peace of Art Lebanon · Peace of Art USA · Peace of Art Deutschland e. V.
The Network provides a common international framework through which the three organizations coordinate their work, exchange knowledge and expertise, develop joint initiatives, build international partnerships, and pursue their shared vision for peaceful and inclusive societies.
Each member organization retains its own legal identity, governance, registration, financial responsibilities, and compliance obligations within its respective country, while cooperating internationally under the shared Peace of Art mission, values, identity, and strategic framework.
This structure allows Peace of Art to remain strongly rooted in local communities while connecting experiences, people, institutions, and opportunities across countries.
Our Key Initiatives
Humanitarian Relief and Emergency Response: In response to the displacement caused by conflict, Peace of Art has provided essential relief efforts including kitchens for displaced families, water and sanitation systems for schools and shelters, and emergency support for those in crisis. Our relief work addresses immediate needs while promoting long-term recovery and resilience for affected communities.
Civic Engagement and Good Governance: We actively engage communities in the democratic process, offering education on electoral participation, civic responsibility, and good governance. By strengthening the capacity of individuals to engage in their civic systems, we empower citizens to drive change from the grassroots level.
Conflict Resolution and Mediation: In regions deeply affected by conflict, Peace of Art offers conflict resolution and mediation services aimed at fostering understanding, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence. Our programs bring together individuals from different backgrounds to engage in constructive dialogue, promoting social cohesion in communities divided by violence and division.
Intercultural Dialogue and Social Cohesion: Through roundtable discussions and intercultural conferences, we facilitate dialogue between individuals of varying cultural, religious, and political perspectives. These conversations are designed to challenge stereotypes, build mutual respect, and promote unity through understanding.
Sports and Livelihood Programs: Recognizing the power of sports and economic empowerment, we organize sports activities that promote teamwork, physical well-being, and positive social interactions. In addition, our livelihood programs equip marginalized individuals with the skills and resources necessary to build sustainable futures, fostering economic self-sufficiency and dignity.
Youth Empowerment through Artistic and Media Expression: At Peace of Art, we believe in the transformative power of creative expression as a means for youth to engage with their world and amplify their voices. Our art programs, music workshops, and media initiatives, including filmmaking, podcasts, and documentary production—provide young people with the tools to express themselves, share their stories, and drive social change. Through these platforms, we encourage youth to explore their creativity, raise awareness on important social issues, and contribute to public dialogue. By fostering a culture of self-expression, we help build confident, engaged leaders who are capable of shaping a more inclusive and peaceful future.
Why We Are Needed?
Building a New Generation of Peacebuilders in an Increasingly Divided World
The need for Peace of Art has never been more urgent. Across the world, societies are facing growing polarization, conflict, hate speech, discrimination, economic uncertainty, and deepening social divisions. Political and cultural differences are increasingly used to separate people rather than bring them together, while misinformation and hostile narratives—particularly in digital spaces—can reinforce fear, mistrust, and exclusion across communities and generations.
Young people are at the heart of these challenges. They are growing up in a rapidly changing world shaped by conflict, displacement, inequality, technological transformation, and uncertainty about the future. Yet too often, their voices remain absent from the decisions that directly affect their lives and communities.
Peace of Art International believes that young people should not be seen only as beneficiaries of peacebuilding—they must be recognized and empowered as peacebuilders, leaders, bridge-builders, and changemakers.
This is why our international network works to create opportunities for young people and communities to develop the knowledge, confidence, creativity, and leadership skills they need to challenge hatred, overcome division, engage constructively with differences, and contribute positively to their societies.
Through peacebuilding, arts and culture, education, dialogue, leadership, civic engagement, sports, and community-based initiatives, we create spaces where people from different backgrounds can meet, learn from one another, build trust, and transform differences into opportunities for understanding and cooperation.
Our work goes beyond responding to immediate crises. We invest in people and in the long-term capacity of communities to become more resilient, inclusive, and peaceful.
As an international network connecting locally rooted organizations and communities across countries, Peace of Art International brings together diverse experiences while recognizing that every society has its own realities and needs. We believe meaningful peace cannot simply be imposed from above or transferred from one country to another. It must be built with communities, shaped by local knowledge, and strengthened through international solidarity and shared learning.
Our vision is to help build a new generation of Youth Peacebuilders and Leaders who can cross social, cultural, religious, and national divides; stand against hate and discrimination; promote dialogue and human dignity; and inspire others to become part of positive change.
Because building a better humanity begins by empowering people to see one another not as enemies or strangers, but as partners in shaping a shared and peaceful future.
Our Commitment
Peace of Art remains steadfast in its commitment to human rights, inclusion, and social equity. As a non-profit organization, we continue to collaborate with local and international organizations, working together to create a world where communities are empowered to heal, prosper, and live in harmony.
In these times of growing need, Peace of Art stands as a critical partner in the global movement for peace, justice, and sustainable development. By providing emergency relief, promoting democratic participation, and facilitating dialogue among diverse communities, we are helping to build a more peaceful and inclusive world—one step at a time.