Vrede is geen Kunst?

The Hague Peace Projects together with the exhibition space GEMAK are organizing a series of public discussions themed “The Fine Art of Peacemaking” (Vrede is geen Kunst?). This sessions are an encounter between representatives of two worlds: on the one hand the world of professional art and on the other hand the world of peace activism.

Our 2º session will be about Refugees and Migration. Everyday we hear about the flows of refugees coming to Europe. But what does it mean to be a refugee? And what does it mean for artists to live in a conflict zone? How does becoming a refugee influence their work?

Two Syrian refugees tell their story. The first speaker is Memo Jan, a Syrian refugee from Aleppo. Being in the Netherlands for three years now he is trying to start a new life as an English teacher. Memo will tell us about his life as a refugee in The Netherlands and his efforts as a peace activist to contribute to the future of Syria. The second speaker is the visual artist Bassam Alkhouri, who comes from Damascus. Bassam will talk about one of his art school pupils, the eleven year old Taim Sfar, whose drawings tell the story of the Syrian war as seen through the eyes of a child.

After the presentation of their respective work we will have an open debate with the audience.

Where: GEMAK, Paviljoensgracht 20, The Hague

When: 26th November 19:00 – 21:00

Entrance: Free but registration required, mail info@thehaguepeace.org