A Sample Proposal on ”Youth Arts for Peacebuilding in Lebanon”

Introduction

Lebanon has faced prolonged political instability, economic crisis, social fragmentation, and the lasting effects of conflict, all of which have deeply impacted its youth population. Young people represent a significant portion of Lebanon’s population, yet many face unemployment, limited civic participation, and increasing social polarization across sectarian, refugee, and socio-economic lines.

Arts and cultural expression have long served as powerful tools for dialogue, healing, and social cohesion. The UNESCO recognizes arts education and cultural participation as key drivers of intercultural understanding and peacebuilding. Similarly, the United Nations Development Programme highlights youth engagement as essential to preventing violence and strengthening democratic resilience in fragile contexts.

In Lebanon, youth from diverse communities—including Lebanese nationals, Palestinian refugees, and Syrian refugees—often lack safe spaces for creative expression and cross-community interaction. Without structured opportunities for collaboration, mistrust and division can deepen.

The Youth Arts for Peacebuilding in Lebanon initiative seeks to harness the transformative power of music, theater, visual arts, and digital storytelling to foster dialogue, strengthen social cohesion, and empower young people as agents of peace. By creating inclusive platforms for creative collaboration, the project aims to build bridges across communities while promoting resilience and positive civic engagement.

 Background and Rationale

Lebanon’s complex social fabric is shaped by sectarian identities, refugee dynamics, and economic disparities. Youth frequently experience:

• Limited access to employment and vocational opportunities
• Restricted civic engagement channels
• Exposure to social tensions and misinformation
• Psychological stress from economic and political instability

Arts-based peacebuilding programs have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting empathy, dialogue, and nonviolent conflict resolution. Creative expression provides safe spaces for youth to explore identity, process trauma, and engage with diverse perspectives.

By combining arts training with structured dialogue and community engagement, this initiative will support sustainable peacebuilding at the grassroots level.

 Project Goal

To strengthen social cohesion and youth leadership in Lebanon through arts-based peacebuilding and intercultural dialogue initiatives.

Objectives

• Engage 1,000 youth from diverse backgrounds in collaborative arts programs.
• Establish 10 community-based youth arts hubs across key regions.
• Facilitate cross-community dialogue through public performances and exhibitions.
• Train 100 youth leaders in conflict transformation and creative facilitation.
• Promote inclusive narratives that counter hate speech and polarization.

 Target Beneficiaries

• Direct Beneficiaries:
  • Lebanese youth (ages 15–29)
  • Syrian and Palestinian refugee youth
  • Young artists and cultural facilitators
• Indirect Beneficiaries:
  • Families and local communities
  • Schools and youth centers
  • Civil society organizations
  • Municipal authorities

 Key Activities

•  Arts & Peacebuilding Workshops
  • Music and spoken word sessions
  • Community theater productions
  • Visual arts and mural creation
  • Digital storytelling and filmmaking
• Dialogue & Conflict Transformation Training
  • Peace education workshops
  • Intercultural dialogue circles
  • Leadership and facilitation training
• Youth Arts Hubs
  • Establishment of safe creative spaces
  • Provision of art supplies and equipment
  • Mentorship from professional artists
• Public Engagement & Showcases
  • Community exhibitions and performances
  • Inter-regional youth arts festivals
  • Social media peace campaigns
• Capacity Building for Local Partners
  • Training NGOs in arts-based facilitation
  • Development of peacebuilding curricula
  • Monitoring and impact assessment support

Implementation Timeline (24 Months)

Expected Outcomes

• Increased cross-community collaboration among youth
• Strengthened youth leadership in peace initiatives
• Improved dialogue and reduced social tensions
• Creation of sustainable community arts spaces
• Enhanced positive narratives promoting coexistence

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Participation and demographic tracking
• Pre- and post-program attitude surveys
• Number of public events and audience reach
• Youth leadership engagement metrics
• Qualitative impact interviews

Sustainability Strategy

• Formation of youth-led arts committees
• Partnerships with schools and municipalities
• Revenue generation through ticketed events and merchandise
• Integration into national youth and cultural programs

Estimated Budget (Sample – 2-Year Program)

Conclusion

Investing in youth arts for peacebuilding in Lebanon is an investment in social cohesion, resilience, and long-term stability. By providing inclusive creative platforms that encourage dialogue and collaboration, this initiative empowers young people to become catalysts for peace, understanding, and positive change within their communities.