Kate E. Deeming's Page

What motivated you (or your organization) to become involved in peace and conflict resolution?

I have always had an interest in alleviating struggle, both external and internal. I believe that a lot of the world's struggle derives from a disconnect, in oneself, one's community, one's world. As an artist I am always seeking ways to re-establish that connection and hence find peace. And maybe even in myself.

Please feel free to provide a short bio about yourself or the work of your organization (no more than 3 paragraphs)

Now I have the fortunate circumstance of my last name having day to day use in the English language. It derives from old English meaning ‘to judge’ and as far as we can tell the early Deemings (who derived from France) were judges. So there is some strange sense in bringing justice to the act of Dreaming.

My work merges community activism with artistic practice. With experiences balancing the world between Community Arts and Professional Performance, the expressions include dance, theatre, music and film. Always seeking ways to create connections between people and communities; ideas and environment, I have travelled the world with these aims for fifteen years working with a diverse mix of individuals.

Please list the countries and/or regions in which you (or your organization) have direct and significant expertise

I am currently working in Sri Lanka with the UK charity Funforlife in association with Sri Lankan Centre for Performing Arts and The Butterfly Peace Garden (Batticaloa). We deliver dance/theatre/music workshops to a mix of young people, including training local teachers in creative teaching methods. The aims are reconciliation and healing.

In addition I work in at risk communities in the UK, specifically in Glasgow.

What is your current country of residence (or location of your organization)?

UK

What is your current job (and organization) and/or where and what field are you studying?

Freelance Artist/Filmmaker/Brownie Baker/Activist :)

How many years professional experience do you have ?

15+

What is your personal or organizational website?

http://www.deemingdreaming.com

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://www.inplaceofwar.net

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://www.funforlife.org

Which are your primary sectoral areas of expertise (or the primary sectoral areas of your organization) ?

Alternative Dispute Resolution, Conflict Resolution, Culture, Development, Dialogue, Education, Facilitation, Gender, Health, Internally Displaced, Media

Which are your primary skills areas(or the primary skill areas of your organization)?

Communication, Curriculum Development, Evaluation, Program Design, Program Implemenation, Qualitative Skills, Training

What are some of your current areas of research (if any)?

Theatre/Dance/Music as tools for peace and healing and reconciliation.
"Body Anthropology" - how our stories are contained within our bodies, and how we can create dances to illustrate that story otherwise silent.
"Mythology of Film"- if we engage in a live theatre event (where the impetus is on the present) that is filmed in a filmic way (where the impetus is on the future), and encapsulates some shared/understood mythology (hence considering the past), we create something that is simultaneously past/present/future and therefore have greater possibility for holism.