Peace does not make itself. It does not come about through the wave of a wand – or even through the signing of a peace treaty. Long-lasting, deep-reaching, sustainable peace usually has to be campaigned for and laboured over by many hands. In this ‘room’ we look at different kinds of campaigners and different forms of activism, from conscientious objectors to environmental activists. The stories told here reveal an important truth about peace: that achieving it usually involves fighting for other kinds of social justice. Peace-making and post-conflict recovery go hand-in-hand with campaigning for gender equality, the exercise of media freedoms, the protection of basic human rights, access to justice, and even tree-planting. Peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but the improvement of living conditions for everyone in a community – because a community cannot ever be truly at peace while injustices remain.
The White Helmets: Beacons of Hope in the Midst of War
In peacebuilding processes, many different actors play a role. One important role in peacebuilding…
Is Jim Bendell’s Climate Doomism Our Chance to Visualise a Peaceful Future?
In his seminal article, “Deep Adaptation,” Jim Bendell writes, “When I say starvation, destruction,…
Active Hope in the Climate Crisis
“It isn’t my job to fix this!” “Nothing I can do will make a…
The Role of Non-Governmental Organisations in Peace
In one way or another, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play an instrumental role in contributing…
The Eurovision Song Contest and its peace projects – from European reconciliation to queer utopia?
“Love peace peace love Make it unforgettable You will be the best And win…
Polarisation in Canada: the Difference between Disagreement and Partisanship
Former Canadian Governor General Adrienne Clarkson once said that “the genius of our Canadian…
The Place of Principled Impartiality in Peace Work
EAs help with olive picking near Anabta Checkpoint (Tulkarem)Photo: Sara avMaat, 2010, EAPPI https://www.flickr.com/photos/unitedchurchcda/12839921063/…
Observation as a Tool for Peace in Palestine and Israel
‘Jayyus, Palestine 2005 – The main commitment of the Ecumenical Accompaniers in Jayyus was…
Versions of Antigone: Sophocles’ Classic Heroine as an Anti-War Symbol
Sophocles’ Antigone Written in around 441 BC, this ancient Greek tragedy has been around…
The Plowshares Movement
The Plowshares Movement originates from a protest action which took place in Pennsylvania in…
The ‘Wolfe Tones’: Rebel Songs and the Rhetoric of Peace in Ireland
‘Could Be Laughs’: MASH, Film, and Artivism
MASH was an American TV show which ran from 1972 to 1983. It followed…
“Get Your Brits Out”- ‘Kneecap’, Activism and Antagonism in Northern Ireland
And what if things were different? Rapping for empathy
Bigflo and Oli are two French rappers, who regularly write pieces devoted to political…
Peace in Faith and Practice: Religion, Idealism and Pragmatism
What can the Quaker visualisation of peace tell us about how we view peace…
Peace in Faith and Practice: Mediation and Disarmament
I do not know whether Quakers have special aptitudes or skills as mediators, but…
Peace-building through Archives: The Haifa Feminist Institute
Dr Sarai Aharoni, a Senior Lecturer of Gender Studies at the Ben-Gurion University of…
Music in Space with Bjørn Vidø: Bringing us closer to peace on Earth?
During these challenging times from the pandemic to the climate emergency, we all need to…
Addressing Ahmadinejad: Music, Comedy, and Peace
“I know you say there’s no gays in Iran, but you’re in New York…
‘Of Ordinary Things’: Iraqi Women, Art, War and Peace-building
https://www.iwaw19.com Several items in our museum feature examples of ‘artivism’ – art that works…
Pride: peace in social justice and the power of solidarity
“Whether we march with banners or without, the important thing is that we march…
Is hacktivism peaceful?
We are Anonymous. We are legion. We do not forgive. We do not forget….
Valentino’s ‘Peace Dress’
Valentino’s ‘peace dress’ on displace in front of the Augustan ‘Altar of Peace’ in…
Two Neighbors
https://www.twoneighbors.com The brand Two Neighbors produces items of clothing which are the product of…
Souvenir Official, ‘Protect Peace’
https://souvenirofficial.com/protect-peace/ Most of the items in this museum that look at fashion as a…
Intergalactic Freedom Dress
Intergalactic Freedom Dress by DRESSX and TTSWTRS The Intergalactic Freedom Dress is perhaps one…
Isha Sadhguru’s ‘Fashion for Peace’
‘Fashion for Peace’ is a collaboration between Isha Sadhguru, an Indian yoga guru, and…
Jean Gritsfeldt, Berlin Fashion Week 2022
Fashion is arguably one of the most creative and complete art forms. Fashion shows…
Colombia: The long road to peace
‘I’ve come to realise that a peace treaty is only the beginning of a…
Howard Marten: Conscientious Objector
“What must have galled them was that while we were reasonably civil, we were…
The Weight of a White Feather
“Suddenly producing a large white feather, she jabbed it into his waistcoat. And in…
Green Mosul
‘Life wins’ – Dr Omar Mohammed / Mosul Eye When ISIS captured Mosul in…
A Blank Newspaper
‘Art changes people’s minds and people change the world.’ Shamsia Hassani Blank Newspaper, Shamsia…