Applications are invited for the "African Union, leveraging the arts for peace" - Silencing the guns training 2023 . As a follow-up to the Accra Seminar of December 2021, the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), through the Silencing the Guns Unit (STGs), in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), will hold the first series of virtual trainings for African artists on 'leveraging Arts for Peace' from 14 to 18 August 2023, guided by the outcomes of the Accra meeting; and founded on the belief that art helps prevent conflicts in communities by raising awareness and inspiring tolerance towards social differences.

The training will cover topics on the role of artists in advancing peace advocacy through the arts, an introduction to silencing the guns, including the AU's work in advancing peace and security, conflict prevention and support for post-conflict reconstruction, as well as principles for effective advocacy and outreach, among others.

Objectives

The training is being held in the run-up to Amnesty Month in Africa (which is observed every September) to mobilise African citizens to hand over illegally held small arms and light weapons to government authorities. It is aimed at African artists from all regions of Africa (North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa). The training will sensitise artists against using art to incite violence, promote hate speech, hate crimes or other forms of conflict.

Specifically, the training aims to enable artists to;

• Raising public awareness and consciousness about silencing the guns;
• Mobilise African citizens and other stakeholders to support the continental campaign to silence the guns in order to achieve a conflict-free Africa and create favourable conditions for the socio-economic transformation of the continent;
• Raising awareness about the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons and the negative impact these weapons have on the African continent;
• Encourage African citizens in possession of illicit weapons to hand them over to the designated authorities in exchange for Amnesty.

Eligibility

An African artist with a demonstrated commitment and significant contribution to the promotion of sustainable peace and security. Submissions from established artists, including young artists, displaced persons and people with disabilities who meet the following selection criteria are particularly encouraged:

• Be a citizen of an AU member state;
• Have completed at least secondary education;
• Be an established artist;
• Have experience in promoting, advancing and supporting peace processes, especially experience of community engagement through art;
• Have a strong history with the local community/area where you work;
• Be proficient in French or English;
• Preferably able to watch from a computer during training;
• Availability and willingness to participate in online training (5 days and 2.5 hours of training per day and 2 hours of homework per day). 

Application

Applications must be submitted by 25 July 2023 at 6pm Addis Ababa time. Successful candidates will be notified as soon as the selection process is finalised.

Click here to apply

For more information, visit African Union .