Another Peace: Building communities through music, arts and unity
Tunisia, a land of ancient history and vibrant culture, greeted us with its warm weather and even warmer people. The narrow streets of the Medina in Tunis, bustling with life, painted a picture of a community rich in heritage but challenged with many problems as well. The country’s journey through political upheaval and economic struggles is evident in the daily lives of its residents. Despite these challenges, the spirit of Tunisia remains unbroken, characterized by resilience and a deep sense of community.
In the heart of this historic city, we found ourselves in the middle of a local concert, that strongly fought against the narrative of division that we heard about. The specific Tunisian balcony was alive with the sounds of traditional Tunisian instruments blended with contemporary rhythms. Young and old, men and women, locals and tourists, all gathered under the one sky, united by the universal language of music. The melodies weaved through the air, breaking barriers and fostering a sense of unity that words alone could not achieve.
Another day at our “Another Peace” training brought us to the youth center where the power of music and arts in community building was further evident. Here, children from diverse backgrounds gathered to create and perform. The walls of the center were trembling with the sounds of musicians tuning their instruments and the vibrant chatter of young artists preparing to play their masterpieces. These children, many from underprivileged areas, were transforming their realities through the power of creative expression. Their performances were not just displays of talent but powerful statements of hope and resilience. The joy and pride in their eyes spoke volumes about the impact of these artistic places on their lives and their communities.
Seeking for community building in Munich
A few months later, far away from warm Tunisian streets, a strong winter waited for us in the suburbs of Munich. Despite all the layers of clothes, the cold was biting, a huge contrast to the warmth of Tunis. However, the chill outside was soon forgotten as we started our second part of the “Another Peace” project.
One of the days of our training we dedicated ourselves to exploring local realities in Munich, and we started our journey of exploring the vibrant community work being done by several local NGOs. These organizations, dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and integration, played a crucial role in the social meeting of the area.
Among many others, we visited an organization that uses music and culture as a medium to bring different cultures together. This centre has become a place to meet for all those seeking a better life in Germany, especially in the wake of a significant rise in nationalism. Here, the arts are not just a form of entertainment but a powerful tool for social cohesion and understanding.
Inside the center, the atmosphere was alive with creativity and collaboration. We observed and got to know the places where people from various backgrounds come side by side, sharing their cultural heritage through melodies and rhythms.
The work of this organization touched us all. By offering a platform for cultural exchange, it helps breaking down stereotypes and building bridges between different communities.
The freezing winter outside contrasted with the warmth we felt inside this community centre. It was a warmth generated by human connection, shared experiences, and the collective effort to build a more inclusive society. These initiatives were not just about art and music, they were about giving people a voice, a place to belong, and a chance to contribute to their new home.
Community equals peace
From the historic streets of Tunis to the chilly suburbs of Munich, our journey reflected a universal truth- music and arts are unreplaceable tools for community building. And communities are the starting spaces for peace to be built and sustained. All those places we visited create spaces where people can come together, express themselves, and find common ground. In a world often marked by division, these spaces remind us of our shared humanity and the power of unity.
The experiences in Tunisia and Germany demonstrated that regardless of geographical and cultural differences, the arts have the unique ability to foster connection and understanding. As we look to the future, supporting and nurturing these creative spaces becomes ever more crucial. They are not just venues for performance but incubators for peace, empathy, and community — the very essence of “Another Peace” that we are all longing for.
Content created by the participant of the Training Course “Another Peace”
“Another Peace ” is a project financed by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme.
The content of the page represents the views of the author only and is their sole responsibility. The European Commission does not take any responsibility for the use that may be made of the information it contains.
