Abstract
Exploring the relationship between art and justice and the lasting impact that the combination can have in promoting peacebuilding and conflict transformation around the world is vital. Art has been an important element that has been used throughout history for various purposes and holds an intrinsic value to many cultures. It can underpin the way people operate in the world and can reveal customs, beliefs, rituals, tools, and even materials that were and are available. It can expound on a certain period of history, be it war, famine, or political events. It reflects who or what was held in great esteem, what was valued at the time, and perhaps even more importantly, through exclusion, what was not valued. We use art, especially historically, to better understand the broad strokes of those who came before us and what life might have looked like. And while art holds the visual power to demonstrate our past, it also holds the power to elaborate, expound, bring together, highlight, and connect. However, while the history of art has been important in demonstrating culture, a certain disconnect exists when it comes to valuing art as a society in its time, devaluing its impact on change. Art, whether through community engagement, restorative justice, education, or simply personal exploration, creates an interdisciplinary approach to learning and understanding.
Presenters
Lee RubinStudent, MA Conflict Transformation and Social Justice, Queens University, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
Conflict, Conflict Transformation, Social Justice, Restorative Justice, Community Engagement
