After the double earthquake that hit Nepal in 2015, artists helped people to overcome their traumas. Artist Sanjeev Maharjan invited people to share their personal stories in a brick and photo collage in one of the collapsed houses. Photo: Mekh Limbu. Courtesy of the artist.
the field of peacebuilding and conflict studies. Academics have linked artistic projects with peace and reconciliation processes, especially because of art’s psychological benefits. According to Cynthia Cohen, the Director of Brandeis’ program on Peacebuilding and the Arts, art facilitates listening and openness beyond words. Cohen sees the benefits of art projects within reconciliation work as primarily individually healing, and less easily applicable in scope across a larger population (Cohen 2005). Shank and Schirch have also examined art-based peacebuilding as a strategic tool for the peacebuilding field, and note art’s ability to transcend trauma, improve self-awareness and self-esteem, and foster dialogue (Shank & Schirch 2008). Activism, Social change and art’s emotional capabilities Michael Shank, NYU professor, and Head of Communications for the UN SDSN, notes the arts as an emotional tool in activism, is capable of convincing
the observer by aiding cognitive tools (Shank 2004). Many other scholars have covered the topic of art activism, affirming arts and creativity’s capability to critique the old ways, and connect people and ideas in new ways (Niepoort 2016). Through New Social Movements theory, feminist geographers Martin, Hanson, and Fontaine emphasize the significance of community identity and lifestyle as an important foundation for movement participation and goals (Martin et. al 2007, 94). Small actions embedded in communities might be part of sparking local change or igniting a greater movement, either of which might lead to social justice. This broadened definition of activism allows participative art projects to be seen as potential tools for community organisation that could lead to longer-term impacts, not immediately visible. Similarly, Guetzkow argues that small-scale art projects can have a positive impact on local agency and community engagement, as art can help regenerate neighborhoods, and serve as facilitators for the
The Right to Art and Culture 2013-2016
24