The Plateau Peace Building Agency (PPBA), in collaboration with GIZ, hosted an Art Exhibition for Peace at the Villa Grande Hotel, Jos, on 24 September 2024, as part of the International Day of Peace activities. Themed “Act Now for a Peaceful Plateau,” the event showcased how art and creative expressions can foster healing, resilience, and peaceful coexistence while promoting inclusive dialogue through cultural narratives.
In her welcome address, the Director General of the Plateau Peace Building Agency, Dr. Julie G. Sanda, emphasized that the exhibition was more than an artistic showcase but a collective statement of commitment to peace. She recalled a symbolic photograph of Christians and Muslims standing together in solidarity on the Plateau, noting that such acts remind us of the possibilities of mutual respect and shared humanity. She stressed that poetry, drama, music, and visual art are powerful tools for reshaping narratives, softening hearts, and building resilience.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation by Chohu E. Joshua (Artraktion), who explained the inspiration behind his series of paintings. His artworks reflected stories of peaceful Plateau communities disrupted by conflict, farmer-herder disputes, displacement, and the struggles of vulnerable groups such as women and persons with disabilities. He portrayed peace as a dove caged by hatred and bitterness, calling on society to replace violence with empathy. Joshua noted that for him, art is a non-violent tool to fight for peace, amplify the voices of victims, and preserve memory.
The program also featured rich cultural expressions including music, drama, spoken word, and storytelling performances, which reinforced the theme of unity and healing through creativity.
Presentations at the event included “Art as a Voice for Peace and Healing” by Tim Kunat of Discover Jos, who emphasized the role of creative industries in peacebuilding, and “Advocacy on Environmental Justice and Climate Change: Recycling for Art” by Mr. Dotun and his team from the Center for Earth Works (CFEW), highlighting how sustainable practices can contribute to both environmental protection and social harmony.
The exhibition concluded with a guided tour, networking sessions, and interactive discussions, leaving participants inspired to embrace art not just as entertainment but as a tool for dialogue, healing, and transformation toward a peaceful Plateau.
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