Arts & Peacebuilding Workshop: Creative Tools for Engaging with Conflict

Are you curious about how the arts can support peacebuilding and dialogue? Join this research workshop to explore participatory, arts-based tools designed to support creative approaches to conflict mapping, an important step in peacebuilding and dialogue.

Facilitated by researcher and practitioner Dr Gillian Howell as part of her Melbourne Postdoctoral Fellowship, this workshop draws on tools co-designed by a team of artists and peacebuilders in the Art and Soul of Dialogue project. These methods are rooted in a range of artforms—including sound, movement, drawing, and drama—and are designed for use in community, educational, and facilitation settings. No prior arts experience is required.

What you’ll gain:

• Practical tools for creatively exploring conflicts or uncomfortable topics.

• Fresh approaches for facilitating group dialogue and collaboration.

• Opportunities to connect with like-minded facilitators.

Who should attend?

Community artists, facilitators, peacebuilders, educators, and anyone interested in creative, participatory ways to address social conflict.

You’re invited to:

• Take part in a one-day workshop.

• Complete a short online feedback survey (approx. 10 mins).

• (Optional) Share your experience if you later use the tools with your own groups. Your participation helps us test and refine these tools so they can better serve practitioners like you.

Contact Dr Gillian Howell at ghowell@unimelb.edu.au to ask questions or discuss accessibility needs.

Before you register:

• Please read and download a copy of the Participant Information Sheet (PLS) and Consent Form. (Note: You do not need to sign into Dropbox to download these documents.)

• This workshop is part of a research project. To participate, you must read these documents and agree to the terms outlined in the Consent Form before registering.

• You do not need to complete the Consent Form online via Dropbox as you will be asked to indicate your consent during the Humanitix registration process.

• By completing your registration, you confirm that you have read and understood the information and agree to participate.

This workshop is part of the Creative Peace Collaboratory, a research, engagement, and translation initiative where community artists and peacebuilders explore and expand the arts–peace–dialogue nexus through an evolving program of workshops and seminars. It is co-presented by the University of Melbourne’s Creativity and Wellbeing Research Initiative and the Initiative for Peacebuilding.

VENUE

This workshop takes place in the Voice Studio located on Level 2 of the Dodds Street Performing Arts Building which is accessible via paths in the new Dodds Street Linear Park. The Voice Studio on Level 2 is then accessible via the stairs or lift.

PARKING

The City of Melbourne has recently changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine.

ACCESSIBILITY

All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit:  https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events.  

Contact Dr Gillian Howell at ghowell@unimelb.edu.au to ask questions or discuss accessibility needs.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.  

• In order to account for drop-off in attendance, we overbook a select number of free events at the Faculty. If you have not arrived by the start of the performance, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door. Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the performance to secure your seat.  

• Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour.