Social Harmony

The arts have a role to play in conflict resolution, not least through their ability to demonstrate that even when territory and resources are involved most conflict is cultural. We face vistas of ethnic and religious conflict today, and not only in the underdeveloped world.

The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra formed by the pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim with the political philosopher, the late Edward Said, is made up of young Israeli and Palestinian musicians. The orchestra will not put an end to conflict in the Middle East, but it does provide a metaphor for conflict resolution. As Barenboim has pointed out, music is full of conflict and full also of resolutions.

The Ancient Greeks believed that art begins with mimesis - imitation. Imitation requires looking and listening, which in turn promotes awareness and alerts people to the plight of others.

A theatre project throughout prisons in Rwanda addresses issues arising from the genocide and teaches reconciliation - a crucial message for when these inmates are released. Whilst a project in Vanuatu uses cultural methods (games, cooking, festivals, storytelling) to promote cross-cultural sharing between tribal groups to address local conflict.

"Social Harmony" is about promoting a spirit of community and neighbourliness, providing resolution and reconciliation in areas of conflict, and rehabilitating those individuals and societies that are too often abandoned or neglected. ArtVenture seeks to re-establish the potential of life, the joy of creativity and the spirit that the untried may be worth trying.