Article on Community Arts and Conflict Resolution

Within the field of community arts, many arts-based practitioners may become involved in work in conflict-affected settings both domestically and internationally. Examples might include creating a theater project with youth in a post-conflict divided community, providing refugee communities a safe artistic space for creation and healing, and organizing musical concerts to bring communities together in areas of conflict. Given that community arts-based practitioners often become involved in work involving conflict issues, there are valuable lessons that can be drawn from the conflict-resolution field.

Integrating Community Arts and Conflict Resolution: Lessons and Challenges from the Field by Zelizer, C (2007) Written for Community Arts Net

.Flames of Peace Ceremony in Kompong Cham, Cambodia. Decommissioned weapons were then donated to the Peace Art Project Cambodia and used to make sculptures. Photo courtesy of Sasha Constable