"Creative works shape our identity, values, and worldview. And there are fundamental elements of our culture that are uniquely human. Only humans are capable of communicating the endless intricacies, nuances, and complications of the human condition through art - whether it be music, performance, writing, or any other form of creativity. Developments in artificial intelligence are exciting and could advance the world farther than we ever thought possible. But AI can never replace human expression and artistry... These principles outline how we can responsibly use artificial intelligence – to support human creativity and accomplishment with respect to the inimitable value of human artistry and expression."
Helpful to gain an understanding of the questions and stakes in AI advancement being considered in the arts and cultural sector. Petition available to sign.
Postings of opportunities for funding, exchanges, international support, workshops, etc. across Africa. Some specific to certain countries or regions.
Regularly updated, and several opportunities are specific to development initiatives and/or global exchanges.
"Covering each of the 17 Global Goals, this guide offers examples, guidance & a new framework that merges our global language – music – with the global language of sustainability."
Helpful for programs seeking to connect of collaborate with UN-sponsored initiatives.
Ethnomusicology Open Educational Resources. Undergraduate-level digital Open Access "textbook" based on ethnomusicology fieldwork, including audio-visual resources.
Useful for learning about music in other countries. Chapter on Arts4Peace by Elise Steenburgh raises insight relevant to Music in Peacebuilding.
"The central purpose of this manual is to provide a practical guide to conducting high-quality, trust-based, qualitative field research on violent extremism. This approach is designed to help researchers of violent extremism address three major research gaps: Youth vulnerable to entering violent extremist organizations (VEOs); Local dynamics in areas where VEOs are influential; and Why youth in certain areas enter VEOs while those living nearby do not."
Insight into research methods useful in conflict situations, particularly with youth.
Together with the University of Leeds, [Centre for Cultural Value UK] have developed a free-to-access online course: Evaluation for Arts, Culture and Heritage: Principles and Practice. This self-guided course offers the opportunity to hear from experts, develop new approaches and build your evaluation skills and confidence. All course content is available via the FutureLearn online learning platform. Head to the FutureLearn website to register and gain full free access to the course for two weeks. Start at any time.
Strengthen arts-related evaluation understanding.
Guide and video outlining Participatory Research, first steps and best practices for those involved in conducting research in communities.
Produced by Access Folk, this resource holds relevance specifically for those working in music communities and with traditional culture.
"Searching for an opportunity to use your skills to transform lives and communities through music? Here you’ll find opportunities at all levels that will help you grow your El Sistema career."
Relevant opportunities for those looking for work related to Music in Peacebuilding, especially in music education. Postings will be primarily based in the US.
"This 30-minute webinar looks at the neuroscience of the hearing brain and the implications of this research for music education, belonging, and peacebuilding. We will look at how the research offers fundamental changes in how we advocate for music." (video available at link)
Helpful background and data for advocacy around music in peacebuilding and music programming in general.
"Resources to strengthen your nonprofit financial management" from the Wallace Foundation and Fiscal Management Associates. Resources on: Budgeting, Cash Flow, Operations, Data and Analysis, Audit Readiness, Governance and Strategy.
Helpful to strategic planning and daily running of non-profit Music in Peacebuilding organizations (guidance might be US-specific).
" For nearly a decade, Syrians have been subjected to the biggest forced displacement of modern times, with nearly 9 million people leaving Syria. Wherever Syrians settle, they take with them part of their music, and leave behind other parts of it. We hope that the Syria music map will be a source of enjoyment and reassurance for millions of Syrians outside and inside Syria, and a resource for all Syrian and oriental music lovers more generally." "We are starting this project with about 100 songs and music pieces, and we hope that the project will eventually include hundreds, perhaps thousands more."
Helpful musical context and background for those working on Music in Peacebuilding initiatives in Syrian or with Syrian migrants located elsewhere.
"This is a resource for activists who could use assistance in building archives." "These archivist-volunteers practice non-extractive, anti-racist ethical approaches to archiving, and have indicated if they are in any way connected to law enforcement."
For those working to document situations of violence, this resource promotes archiving work with volunteer guidance and support.
"Connect2Dialogue is a global, innovative flagship networking platform developed to raise awareness and connect members of the wider interreligious dialogue (IRD) community... Two main pillars of Connect2Dialogue are the IRD Directory of international, regional and national organizations and the Who is Who in IRD directory of individuals from around the world, who work in the field of interreligious and intercultural dialogue."
While not specific to Music in Peacebuilding, this directory includes like-minded organizations focused on interreligious connections.
This document provides a starting point for El Sistema-inspired music education programs to begin developing assessment tools and documenting results.
This guide provides an overview and insight into setting up beginning stages of assessment and evaluation, particularly for music education for social change programs.
"This book offers a brief overview of concepts of peacebuilding while introducing teachers and learners to the various tools and types of interventions utilized in the field that are culturally responsive to the Southeast Asia context and demonstrate the complex nature of peacebuilding. It is meant to co-create spaces that support meaningful and challenging dialogue, as well as hopeful and transformational spaces. The book has two overall objectives: 1) To explain theoretical aspects that support nonviolence and peacebuilding. 2) To show how theory is applied in practice in a SE Asia context."
Introductions to important peacebuilding concepts, particularly as applicable to a Southeast Asian context.
"This is a free music catalog of 40+ songs including piano scores, lead sheets, lyric sheets, full-length recordings and piano-only accompaniments, all available to download without restrictions, for use in the classroom, in performance or just for fun. Voicing, musical form, suggested uses, performance options and related titles are included with each song."
(All songs by Aline Shader) Materials and arrangements that could be useful in any music programming or activity involving children.
"Americans for the Arts offers a variety of toolkits, workbooks, workshops and learning opportunities to support the development of creative arts and business partnerships. Explore our digital resources that offer best practices and inspiration to strengthen the connection between arts and businesses in your community. "
Helpful tools for organizations looking for additional funding and new partnerships in their community.
"The arts are facing a grave threat as this report goes to press. As the report shows, arts education was sorely underresourced even before the pandemic arrived, and that was before educators had to deliver their work through computer screens—a poor substitute for the group and student-teacher dynamics that are so essential to an arts education. And as we look to the future, the devastating financial effects from the pandemic threaten the local and state funding streams that underwrite classes in the subject. The Commission on the Arts was established in the fall of 2018 to address the first issue, but the events of the past year underscore the precarious nature of arts education in our nation’s schools. This report offers a clarion call to parents, teachers, and governments at the national, state, and local level to recognize the vital role arts education plays in developing empathetic, well-rounded, and civically engaged individuals who are prepared to be active members of their communities and participants in our democracy"
Analysis of recent changes in the landscape of arts programming, particularly in the US and particularly during the pandemic. Focus on values can be useful to advocacy.
"Action for Hope launches a guidebook directed at music teachers and cultural workers who are active within marginalized communities that have little access to cultural services. The guidebook is the first of its kind in the Arab region and includes proposed music education methodologies for those who cannot join academic music education programs. The book is based on the experience of Action for Hope Music Schools in Lebanon and Jordan since 2015. It is written by some of the teachers in these schools, and details in its 100 pages their philosophy and methodology of education, in addition to the curriculum of music theory, music history, notation and solfege, and Syrian folk music."
Helpful background and musical examples for those working in Music in Peacebuilding, especially in music education and particularly in the Middle East region.
"ArtsEdSearch is the nation’s hub for research on the impact of arts education. Browse research focused on the outcomes of arts education for students and educators."
Research-based advocacy for the importance of the arts, insight into asesssment and evaluation practices. Possibly specific to a US context.
"Are you overwhelmed by the violence our children face? Do you believe our most important artistic work is in building connection and care? Join us on the Music and Peacebuilding podcast as we explore diverse perspectives, disciplines, and stories to reclaim connection and care through the arts." Now on Season 4. Audio available at major podcast apps, and transcripts available.
Wonderful interviews reflecting on what it means to do work related to Music in Peacebuilding.
"For music and dance educators interested in teaching Palestine in their winter and spring courses, Society for Arab Music Research offers teaching and learning resources on Palestinian music, dance, and storytelling. There are resources for those offering an introductory lesson for the first time as well as those seeking specific issues and framings for higher-level courses."
Helpful bibliography of texts for insight into music in Palestine, with many items specific to questions of conflict and resistance. Includes video links and resources for background context. Helpful background for anyone working in the Middle East.
"Mapping your public value is a way to provide a new picture of the work your orchestra does in the community." Map sample of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Powerful example of how arts programs can assess and visualize their impact in communities, which can in turn help with advocacy, funding, and research.
Masters of Music Therapy (MMT) pre-application reading list: "what [students can] read to learn about the Nordoff and Robbins approach to music therapy and prepare for their audition and interview."
Anybody interested in music therapy can find helpful direction toward relevant readings. Most resources indicated are free online.
"A podcast exploring the power of the arts in advocacy and in action. We talk with artists and activists, taking a deep dive into questions surrounding the causes of displacement, the strength and the vulnerability of people on the move— and the potential of the arts to shine a light on social injustice and impact people’s lives for the better."
Interviews will be of interest to those working in Music in Peacebuilding, especially related to issues of (forced) migration, social inclusion.
"'Cultural Policy in The Arab Region' is an open platform for individuals and organisations working directly or indirectly to bring about positive change in cultural policy in their own countries and in the region in general. Artists, cultural managers, researchers, academics, cultural activists, and young students, as well as organisations, groups, syndicates, and unions are invited to upload their profiles onto this website to connect effectively with others working in the same field."
Helpful to anyone developing non-profit programming or cultural policy or research in the Arab region.
"To assist orchestras with the application process, the League regularly consults with NEA staff, and outlines helpful tips for preparing your application, including an overview of guideline changes as they occur."
Helpful tips in general for grant applications specific to music-based projects.
"The YouthARTS site is designed to give arts agencies, juvenile justice agencies, social service organizations, and other community-based organizations detailed information about how to plan, run, provide training, and evaluate arts programs for at-risk youth."
Helpful to programs working specifically with young people, including guidance on evaluation.
"When you face a funding cut, you need to be able to take swift and efficient action to mitigate the situation—mobilize your advocates, create your message, and implement your strategy. To simplify this process for you, we have developed this ever-expanding online tool to provide you with current information and key messaging, communications and advocacy strategies, and the research you need to make the case."
Helpful for non-profit organizations working in Music in Peacebuilding, specifically at moments of challenging times. Helpful guidance regarding non-profit strategy and finance in general, especially in the US.
"The 2019 edition of the Berghof Glossary revisits the main principles and approaches that we use in our work to support people and conflict parties around the world. For a second time, our team has embarked on a joint exploration in order to chart a shared understanding of what it takes to create “space(s) for conflict transformation”."
Helpful source of language that will help bridge efforts in research and practice, or between the arts and those working peacebuilding/conflict transformation. Available in English and German.
"This innovative digital tool makes it easy for anyone to generate customized peace impact reports using the Peace Impact Framework. By simplifying and standardizing measurement, the Calculator enables practitioners to track progress, demonstrate results, compare methodologies, and collectively build the evidence base for effective peacebuilding." Themes used in the framework: Physical Violence, Personal Agency, Polarization, Institutional Legitimacy, and Resource Investment
Potentially useful to Music in Peacebuilding organizations who want to evaluate and emphasize their impact across peacebuilding-specific metrics. Also useful to see other organizations using and aligning with the same framework of indicators
"This is a report about the Dream Orchestra, a non-profit association based in Gothenburg, Sweden, that supports vulnerable children and young refugees by helping them learn music together... The report documents the results obtained from a month-long ethnographic study held on site, which was led by social scientists from the research project ‘YouSound − Music education as an inclusive tool for underage refugees in Europe’ (2022–2023). We hope this report is inclusive, accessible and useful to all social actors interested in comprehensive art education programmes, from policy-makers to teachers and students."
Helpful insight to music programming working with refugee communities, example of ethnographic study within such a space.
"Free and easy access to data on the arts and on the arts' value and impact for individuals and communities"
For researchers and advocates in Music in Peacebuilding, data and analyses that can bolster arguments for the value of the arts.
As part of the European Union-funded project "Strengthening Local Conflict Prevention and Resolution Mechanisms in South Sudan", the Assistance Mission for Africa (AMA) and swisspeace entrusted the artists King Pin and Wizzo Wine to compose a song based on key messages of grassroots conflict prevention and resolution actors from Yirol East (Lakes state) and Panyijiar (Unity state). The resulting song is named "If you love peace" and is sung in Dinka and Nuer. It has been broadcast via speakers and radio stations to disseminate key messages about the peace efforts of Yirol East and Panyijiar. [video]
Potentially useful advocacy example, particularly in African contexts. Piece of repertoire/lyrics that could be helpful in peacebuilding programming.
Examples of publications including funding guides, cultural policy analysis, legal frameworks, investor's guides, etc. for the Arab region. (Arabic language, some items available in English or French)
Helpful to anyone working to develop cultural programming or cultural policy in the Arab region.
"There are countless ways to teach music, but what makes a music teacher “great”? Through a series of enlightening conversations with extraordinary educators, this six-part series offers invaluable answers and insights. Learn about the unique approaches and personal histories of masterful music teachers, discover what drives them to teach, and be inspired by stories of their life-changing successes. Listen to the trailer and subscribe today! The first episode will premier September 21st, and episodes will be available wherever you get your podcasts."
Insights into working in music education programming.
"There are many educational programs throughout the world that use the expressive arts in their own way to empower youth, build more inclusive societies, increase access to the arts, transform conflict, and so forth. For the most part, I [Shoshana Gottesman-Solomon] have chosen to add to the list (and will continue to do so when possible) programs that also seek to teach additional concepts through transferable learning. I am not familiar with all of the programs listed below, and can only speak of the authenticity of the programs I am familiar with. The purpose of the following list is to: 1. portray the diversity of these programs throughout the world. 2. provide individuals who are looking to support a particular program with a comprehensive list in which to explore."
This list is helpful documentation of those working not only in Music in Peacebuilding, but in relevant arts programming as well.
"Action for Hope began its work in the city of Mosul and Nineveh Governorate in 2018, months after the city was liberated from ISIS. As such, it launched the program Listening to Iraq, sponsored by UNESCO and funded by the European Syndicate, to document, teach, and revive traditional and popular music in the Nineveh Governorate. This program is ongoing and still being developed, and through it, we hope to contribute to enriching cultural life in Mosul –and give young people the opportunity to learn traditional and folk music. Over the past three years, we have taken note of some of the similarities and differences between our work in Iraq and our previous work teaching and reviving traditional Syrian music through the Action for Hope music schools in Lebanon and Jordan." Arabic language report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17iRVrvZVBI5_T1x7a2iAdY_kefqWhFqG/view
Provides reflection on the development of a music-based program in Mosul, helpful insight for efforts for Music in Peacebuilding in the Middle East region.
"The Cultural Web Model proposed by Johnson and Scholes helps align an organization’s culture with strategy"
Helpful guidance for non-profit organizations seeking to improve their strategy and day-to-day working culture.
"How to Build Peace (H2BP) is a course for dreamers and idealists from all walks of life who are passionate about building a more peaceful, just world. Learn how you can make real change on the social issue (or issues) you care about most. H2BP is a FREE 5-day eCourse designed to help you find creative ways you can use your unique talents and abilities to build a more peaceful, just world. The course includes 5 modules - one module per day for five days. Each module includes several short videos to take you step by step through the day's objectives. And there is a workbook to support you in your daily tasks and activities to put the learning into practice in your life."
Opportunity to strengthen a foundation in peacebuilding potential.