Culture often leads to lack of understanding and conflict and suppression. The burning of books, the incarceration of writers and artists, the destruction of cultural heritage: actions like these illustrate how deeply people fear the power of culture, but they also show that art can provide an effective means for solving conflict. Art places societies under scrutiny, also societies where freedom is restricted. Art opens up difficult topics and breaks stereotypes and taboos. Cultural activities make people resilient and can help to heal the wounds of those traumatised by violent conflict. Culture enables us to record people’s stories for future generations and thus helps to prevent conflict in the future.
In this section you will find news stories and articles on culture and conflict, that were published on the Power of Culture website between 2003 and 2010. More recent articles from our network you'll find on our Facebook page.