building hope: creative and peaceful resistance models
Event image: Victoria Park Peace Rally. Large group gathered for a rally headed by policeman and people on the pavements watching. Leaders of the Peace People at the front include Mairead Corrigan and Ralph Williams.
What to know
A panel discussion to mark the 50th anniversary of the Peace People. This event brings together voices from peace building, community activism and the arts to explore creative, non-violent approaches to change.
The Belfast Room
Free admission. Spaces must be booked in advance due to limited capacity.
A panel discussion followed by a Q&A.
Please note that discussions around conflict, violence and human rights abuses may not be suitable for younger audiences. This event is for people aged 16+.
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Peace People, this panel discussion brings together voices from peacebuilding, community activism and the arts to explore creative, non-violent approaches to change.
Founded in response to tragedy in west Belfast during the Troubles, the Peace People grew into a grassroots movement that brought thousands onto the streets to demand an end to violence. Their work raised international awareness of the conflict and built connections with communities around the world.
Fifty years on, struggles for dignity, justice and rights continue. Join our speakers to explore how creativity, inclusion and peaceful resistance can help build a better future, drawing on experiences from Northern Ireland and beyond.
Meet the speakers
Ann Patterson — Peace activist and member of the Peace People
Ann travels to conflict zones around the world, sharing insights and experience gained through the peace process in Northern Ireland.
Dr Abdelfattah Abusvour — Bethlehem Festival and Alrowwad Cultural and Arts Society
Abdelfattah will share perspectives from Alrowwad, an organisation that he established in Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem, and his philosophy “Beautiful Resistance” and Alrowwad’s work in Palestine and beyond, with refugees and others, mainly women and children, and international artistic tours.
Dr Clare Gallagher — Belfast School of Art
Clare explores what is unseen or unsaid in our cultural narratives, and the potential of art to build agency and empathy.
What to expect
The event will begin with a welcome from Tríona White Hamilton, Curator of Modern History at National Museums NI.
Takura Makoni, anti-racism campaigner and Policy Officer for the African Caribbean Support Organisation of NI (ACSONI), will chair the discussion.
An audience Q&A will follow, giving you the opportunity to put your questions to the panel.