Arts-Based Adult Learning in Peacebuilding: A Potentially Significant Emerging Area for Development Practitioners?
Author(s):
Vicki-Ann Ware
Joanne Lauterjung
Shannon Harmer McSolvin
Publication Year:
2021
Type:
journal article
Journal/Book Title
The European Journal of Development Research
Publisher
Editor(s):
Pages:
1050-1075
Volume:
34
Issue:
Abstract:
Intractable conflict coupled with deep poverty often reinforce socio-psychological conflict-repertoires. Transforming repertoires can contribute to sustainable peace. Increasingly, development NGOs utilise arts-based programming to provide community spaces for exploring peace-oriented repertoires. Yet arts-based processes are poorly theorised in the development literature. We present a case-study arts-based peacebuilding programme embedded in intra-ethnic Rakhine asset-based community development (Myanmar). Arts-based components help build comprehension and retention of peace concepts, and motivation/confidence to apply new knowledge to daily interactions, supporting the overall aim of shifting conflict-repertoires. We show art-based activities as reflective learning processes produced modest-yet-significant shifts in repertoires, thereby contributing to sustainable peacebuilding.
Citation (Chicago Author-Date):
Ware, Vicki-Ann, Joanne Lauterjung, and Shannon Harmer McSolvin. 2021. “Arts-Based Adult Learning in Peacebuilding: A Potentially Significant Emerging Area for Development Practitioners?” The European Journal of Development Research 34: 1050–75. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41287-021-00416-x.