Post-Conflict Participatory Arts: Socially Engaged Development

This book explores how art can enhance human development and initiate positive social change for individuals and societies recovering from conflict. It argues that participatory arts can help address top-down interventions by fostering community engagement, social cohesion, influencing public policy, and advancing social justice. Case studies from around the world are included to reflect best practices for using bottom-up, participatory, co-produced, and co-designed arts processes in conflict settings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound power of art to enhance human development and initiate positive social change for individuals and societies grappling with the aftermath of conflict. Interventions aimed at fostering social justice and rebuilding communities after conflict often face accusations of being top-down and failing to adequately consider the diverse perspectives and contexts within societies. However, the utilization of participatory arts offers a transformative solution to address these challenges. By fostering community engagement, social cohesion, and influencing public policy, participatory arts can play a crucial role in advancing social justice. Moreover, arts-based methods have proven to be particularly effective in reaching youth communities, empowering young people who often lack a platform to express their voices and shape political outcomes.

Situated at the intersection of participatory arts, social justice, and epistemic justice, this book brings together a wealth of case studies from across the globe, showcasing best practices for the use of bottom-up, participatory, co-produced, and co-designed arts processes in conflict settings. Through these compelling narratives, readers gain a deep understanding of the role that arts can play in addressing epistemic injustice and contributing to social justice and human development.

This book is a valuable resource for international development and arts practitioners, policy makers, students, and researchers alike. It offers insightful perspectives and practical insights into the ways in which arts can be leveraged to promote peace, foster social cohesion, and drive positive social change. By exploring the intersection of participatory arts, youth studies, international development, social justice, and peace and conflict studies, this book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the transformative power of art in post-conflict societies.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the role of art in fostering social justice and human development. It offers a compelling argument for the transformative power of participatory arts in post-conflict settings and provides valuable insights into best practices for the use of arts-based interventions. By leveraging the power of art, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world, where the voices and perspectives of all individuals and communities are valued and heard.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 235 x 155 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367638634