arts-inspired peacebuilding

Emergent from the practice and life-vocation of peacebuilding and the pursuit of nonviolent social transformation, change agents need to envision themselves as artists. Building adaptive and responsive processes to accompany and facilitate social change requires a creative act, which at its core is more art than technique. Time and again, lasting social change that makes a difference has the DNA of the artist's intuition: The complexity of human experience captured in a simple image and in a way that moves individuals and whole societies. Far beyond the instrumental use of arts, peacebuilding unfolds as an artistic and aesthetic process. In this section, the archives explore the evolution and examples of John Paul's understanding and practice of arts-inspired peacebuilding.

The Wow Factor and a Non-Theory of Change

The Wow Factor and a Non-Theory of Change

A thought piece that explores positive approaches to peacebuilding as a composite moment in which the creative process lifts sight to a new, more holistic view.

For Our Healing

For Our Healing

A preface discussing the challenges of healing in the aftermath of violence and the need for authenticity of approach that respects each individual while recognizing several important guideposts common to all.

The Art of Peacebuilding: Haiku, Accompaniment, and Courageous Love

The Art of Peacebuilding: Haiku, Accompaniment, and Courageous Love

John Paul and Serena Bian share a conversation on topics including the inner dimensions of peacebuilding, intergenerational and collective trauma and healing, and spiritual sustenance for long-term engagement in social change.

Imagination: Peacebuilding and Praxis with John Paul Lederach

Imagination: Peacebuilding and Praxis with John Paul Lederach

A conversation about the moral imagination as a source and approach to long-term, sustainable social change.

When toxic polarization becomes a civil war – and what we can do about it

When toxic polarization becomes a civil war – and what we can do about it

A conversation hosted on Nonviolence Radio about nonviolent resistance to polarization in the United States that is grounded in community, relationship, and the humble courage of creativity.

Peacebuilding, critical yeast, and the language of imagination

Peacebuilding, critical yeast, and the language of imagination

A conversation about language, imagination, and how to cultivate peace and transform conflict in everyday life.

The Growing Edge Podcast Unexpected Hope in Improbable Actions

The Growing Edge Podcast Unexpected Hope in Improbable Actions

John Paul provides thoughtful, sometimes surprising ideas and advice on how to navigate, disrupt and mitigate the patterns that lead to deeper conflict, with attention to what is happening in contemporary U.S. politics.

The Corrymeela Podcast, Season 3, Episode 1. Prof. John Paul Lederach

The Corrymeela Podcast, Season 3, Episode 1. Prof. John Paul Lederach

John Paul joins Pádraig Ó Tuama to talk about pacifism, language, the power of circling, and the role of the arts in conflict transformation.

La paz resiliente

La paz resiliente

An interview for the radio station Javeriana Estéreo on the topics of resilience, creativity, and reconciliation in the context of Colombia.