IMPACT

?UPDATE: ???????????? ???????????? ???????????? ??????????????????????! Good news! You will have more time to apply for the Summer Winter School! The Festival Academy have rescheduled the series of workshops to 26-28 February 2025 to give more people the chance to take part in the sessions. ?? They are re-opening registrations today and look forward receiving your applications! Here is the updated schedule: ???Wed 26 February, 3 PM – 6 PM (UTC +1) Cynthia Cohen, our IMPACT senior fellow: “Acting Together: Applying Concepts from Conflict Transformation in Festival” ???Thu 27 February, 9 AM – 12 PM (UTC +1) Oussama Rifahi: “Storytelling for Purpose: Reframing Vision and Mission” ???Fri 28 February, 3 PM – 6 PM (UTC +1) Michael Sheldrick : “From Ideas to Impact: Influencing & Implementing Change in a Divided World” ?? Don’t miss this chance to learn from top cross-sector experts, gain hands-on methodologies, and directly impact your festival work! ?? For registration and more information: https://bit.ly/40w9uc8

?? Online Event: Voices From Palestine ???? and Lebanon ???? ?? Join Al-Harah Theater and The Festival Academy in collaboration with Hammana Artist House and Zoukak Theatre , for a powerful session during the International Week of Solidarity with Palestine. ??? Event Title: Voices from Palestine and Lebanon ?? When: 27th November at 3:00 PM (UTC +1) ?? Where: Online (Free to attend!) Explore how the performing arts sectors in Palestine and Lebanon navigate challenges during attacks on both countries. Hear firsthand from inspiring leaders about their coping mechanisms, resilience, and actions on the ground. ?? Speakers: Marina Barham ?? (Co-founder & General Director, Al-Harah Theater/Bethlehem) Omar Abi Azar ?? (Theatre Director & Founding Member, Zoukak Theatre Company/Beirut) Aurelien Zouki ?? (Co-director & Founding Member, Collectif Kahraba/Hammana Artist House) George Matar ?? (Production Manager, Al-Harah Theater/Bethlehem) ?? Register now and join the conversation: https://bit.ly/3ZjzPcF Let’s amplify these crucial voices and stand in solidarity! ?? #ImpactCreateHope #impactartorg #Solidarity #palestine #Lebanon

?? New AHA Story of Seba Kourani had just released ?? ??My name is Seba Kourani, and I'm half-Syrian and half-Lebanese. I’m currently staying away from home in Istanbul, but I was born and raised in Beirut. In addition to being a theatre-maker, I’m also a performer and puppeteer. I often use theatre as a mediation and communication tool when working with young people and on projects related to social transformation. It’s great at catalysing conversation among different people.? Recently, I've been working on my own performance called ‘The Golden Hour.’ It's about the uncertainties that we all live in and how we seek answers. Now, with the invasion of Lebanon, I had very big questions. Is this performance for the people of Beirut? Or, is it for people who know me outside Beirut? It's become a different shape of uncertainty; I am the uncertainty itself.? For me, there’s always this kind of magic whenever I work on the arts with young people. (...) It’s very human when you place yourself in someone else’s shoes and start to think critically and have empathy toward others. It provides a chance for the people that you are working with to be part of something bigger and to create something together. I think these characteristics are what we are losing in our world: to feel safe, to have empathy, and to feel both heard and seen.? When the recent invasion of Lebanon began, I was outside of the country in a festival called Flying Carpet Festival in Mardin, Turkey where I was invited to take part as a director. It is a 10 day festival for children living in difficult places. People come from different backgrounds, but we all had one thing in common: humanity. Over 2 days, 36 artists from different parts of the world came together to create a performance full of music, clowning, dance, circus, and perform in different cities of the Turkish-Syrian borders. I had this sudden feeling of homesickness, and I missed my family. Of course, I felt worried about them but, at the same time, I didn't feel alone. I was surrounded by another family. I have never felt the magic of togetherness, humanity and love as I did in this extraordinary experience. I have truly accepted all different stages of human connection. This is exactly how art brings people together when you really create a really safe space. That’s the magic of it all. I’ve also been inspired by Chloe and Dan, the co-founders of Artists with Elbows. Working with them was the first time that I felt as if someone was truly listening to me without judging or labelling me. Having someone who believes in your potential and feels that you are capable of creating something – I get very inspired by this feeling. I now feel that I am capable of doing anything. This is what I would like to tell my 20-year-old self. Don't wait. No; create something. Don't wait for people to tell you what to do. ” ?? Read Seba's full story, https://lnkd.in/egfQZC4X #ImpactCreateHope #ImpactArtOrg #ahaproject

?? Call for Proposals: The 30th Biennial IPRA Conference ??? Join the 60 years of International Peace Research Association (IPRA) at the 30th Biennial Conference in Aotearoa New Zealand! This historic gathering invites peace researchers, students, academics, and community-based practitioners from around the world to connect, collaborate, and inspire. ?? Share Your Vision Bring your groundbreaking research and innovative ideas to this global platform. ?? How to Apply: Submit your title and an abstract by 30 November 2024. ?? Let’s shape the future of peace research—together! ?? Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to the largest global body of peace scholars and advocates. ?? For more Info, check www.iprapeace.org/ipra2025 #ImpactCreateHope #IPRA #BiennialConference #ImpactArtOrg

?? Robert Shetterly’s Inspiring Portrait Series: Honoring Peace Activists ?? ?? Dive into the incredible work of artist Robert Shetterly, who brings the stories of peace activists to life through his powerful portraits. Each portrait shines a light on individuals who've devoted themselves to the pursuit of peace, justice, and human rights, offering a powerful reminder of resilience and courage in times of conflict.?? These portraits don't just capture faces—they tell stories of bravery and steadfast dedication. Take a look, get inspired, and reflect on the impact of those who’ve fought tirelessly for a better, more peaceful world. ????? ?? Check more art work in: https://bit.ly/4evl3nb #ImpactCreateHope #ImpactArtOrg #PeaceActivists #RobertShetterly

?? Calling All Artists and Cultural Organisations! ?? Are you ready to take action on climate change? Climate Futures: South Asia is here to support impactful climate action in the creative industries! ???? This exciting new programme by British Council Pakistan provides grants, mentorship, research opportunities, and knowledge exchanges between the UK and South Asia. It's your chance to contribute to the climate movement and drive sustainability through innovative projects. ?? What’s on Offer? ?? Grants for impactful climate-focused projects ?? Mentorship & Research opportunities ?? Knowledge exchanges between UK & South Asia ??? Grant Application Deadline: 25 November 2024, 23:59 GMT. Together, let's harness the power of art to create a sustainable future! ??? ?? Know more and apply: https://bit.ly/4epBu4o #ImpactCreateHope #greatopportunity #artistsGrant #climatechange

?? New AHA Story of Bonface Beti just released ?? ?? “My name is Bonface Beti, and I am a citizen of Kenya. I call myself an artist-peacebuilder. Specifically, I use theatre as the language of peacebuilding with grassroots communities embroiled in conflict within Nairobi, Kenya, across Africa, and even globally. I'm a practitioner of different participatory approaches? -- mainly improvisational theatre, but I also work with the Theatre of the Oppressed and indigenous African storytelling. I believe that the best way to deal with the underlying drivers of conflict is to truly understand issues of identity. To address something like historical trauma, for example, it’s important to deal with these issues of identity which are very non-logical in nature: fear, suspicion, and even perception of so-called “enemies.” To do this is to address aspects of the human experience that may not necessarily be addressed by using solely rational processes. Of course, rational processes like mediation, dialogue, and engagement are very critical. However, emotional experiences like trauma, fear, and the effects of historical division are essential components of every conflict. I believe the arts provide this very humanistic approach which is needed now more than ever. When I was a young person on the streets of Nairobi, this Kenyan theatre director and filmmaker approached me and wanted to make a film showcasing the plight of African children. I eventually became a member of their performance group which travelled around the world talking about peacebuilding while highlighting the stories of young people on the streets. As you can imagine, it's one of the biggest challenges facing most African cities, right?? Theatre was now being used as a kind of language to engage with us; we used to perform those plays and go directly back into the streets. However, eventually, the organisation became powerful enough to have a centre of their own where all of the young people they worked with could get a home. So, the stage was used to give us connection to ourselves and to our community. It allowed many of us to transition back into normal life; most of the young people were even reconnected back to their families. Many also ended up pursuing further education by going back to high school and even continuing on to university! Theatre gave most of us young people purpose and meaning. It became a part of the healing process in a big way. Imagine street kids. Nobody comes close to them on the streets, but now, people are coming and paying money to watch them perform.” ?? Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eUJVWPMz #ahaproject #ImpactCreateHope #ImpactArtOrg

?? Join the Summer Winter School: Practical Tools for Global Impact in Festival Leadership! ?? The Festival Academy invites emerging and experienced festival leaders worldwide to their Summer Winter School; a 3 online workshops series designed to empower festival leaders with essential tools and skills for global impact. ?? ?? Register Now for our online workshops happening from November 20-22, 2024. Each session is a 3-hour deep dive led by esteemed experts, offering practical, skill-based insights to strengthen your leadership and impact. ??? Schedule & Topics: Nov 20 | 3–6 PM CET ?? Michael Sheldrick , co-founder of Global Citizen "From Ideas to Impact: Influencing and Implementing Change in a Divided World" Nov 21 | 9 AM–12 PM CET ?? Oussama Rifahi, board member of AFAC - The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture AFAC - The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture "Storytelling for Purpose: Reframing Vision and Mission" Nov 22 | 3–6 PM CET ?? Cynthia Cohen, our senior fellow at IMPACT & co-founder of Peacebuilding and the Arts at Brandeis University "Acting Together: Concepts from Conflict Transformation in Festivals" ?? Don’t miss this chance to learn from top cross-sector experts, gain hands-on methodologies, and directly impact your festival work! ?? For registration and more information: https://bit.ly/40w9uc8 #ImpactCreateHope #ImpactArtOrg #SummerWinterSchool24

?? Today at 11:30 PM CET, Interesting "Make Political Violence Backfire" virtual event ?? Join The Horizons Project for a powerful online gathering on building a resilient, inclusive, and multi-racial democracy! ??? In this crucial post-election moment, let’s unite to stand against political violence, ignite new ideas for effective responses, and strategize together for impactful, nonviolent action. ????? Together, we can turn the tide on political violence and push forward toward a brighter future that supports every community. ???? Let’s organize, imagine, and take action! ?? Event Date: Today, 7 Nov. 2024 ?? Time: 11:30 PM CET ?? Don’t miss out—bring your voice and energy! Let's shape the change we want to see! ???? ?? For registration: https://bit.ly/3Cu4Xgg #ImpactCreateHope #ImpactArtOrg #HorizonsProject #virtualEvent #Peace

?? An Event Not to Miss! ?? The Center for Art and Peacebuilding ( ZHdK Zürcher Hochschule der Künste & artasfoundation: Swiss Foundation for Art in Regions of Conflict ) invites you to their monthly talk series, Art in Conflict — a powerful exploration of how art transforms lives and narratives in conflict zones. ??? ?? Upcoming Talk: Theatre Initiatives in Times of War ??? Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 ?? Join a thought-provoking discussion with: Mira Sack Mira Sack (???? ZHdK, Switzerland) Lena Saade Gebran (???? USEK University, Lebanon) ?Shebli Albau (???? Theatre Maker, Switzerland) ??? This talk will dive deep into the unique power of theatre in conflict areas, answering questions like: What gives art its impact during times of crisis? How do complex projects emerge in such settings? And where should we set limits on what’s possible? Let’s open up the conversation on art and peacebuilding to everyone! ??? Join CAP to witness the resilience and creativity in theatre’s role in conflict transformation. ?? For more information: https://bit.ly/4hzxCks #ArtInConflict #CenterForArtAndPeacebuilding #TheatreAndConflict #PeaceThroughArt #GlobalChange ??