Can art promote a culture of peace?

War & Peace 08 was premiered at SVA on 20 September to a packed room. The eight short films screened offered a range of insights from different cultural perspectives. The screening was followed by a discussion that asked the question, “Can art promote a culture of peace?”.

The dialogue was chaired by Stroud’s mayor and veteran peace campaigner John Majoram. Invited speakers include participating artists Gary Thomas and Mahmoud Reza Sani, who were joined by theatre producer Bill Brookman. Mahmoud, one of a number on international artists who had contributed to the project, had traveled from Tehran to attend the event. Through an interpreter, he spoke about working under censorship in Iran, and the importance of the alternative artist’s voice. Bill Brookman, who had worked for the UN, provided a positive example of hi experience of working to disarm violent youth gangs in Haiti – using music, concerts and circus performances.

To listen to edited highlights of the discussion click links below.

Can art promote a culture of peace?

Part 1 (12' 6")

Part 2 (14' 13")

Part 3 (10' 52")

Part 4 (9' 35")