The Art of Nonviolent Dialogue: Tools, Trainings, and Transformation
You might wonder, why do we call this project ART?
Because conflict transformation is, at its very essence, a form of art.
As John Paul Lederach, one of the world’s most respected peacebuilding practitioners, says, the tools of conflict transformation are the “art and soul” of peace work. Not formulas. Not checklists. But living, breathing skills rooted in presence, connection, and creativity.
And what are those tools?
They’re not hidden in fancy jargon or high theory. They’re already around us.
💬 Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
💗 Empathy
🕊️ Mediation
🗣️ Dialogue
💛 Self-awareness
👂 Active Listening
Everything that brings humans closer, that is the art and soul of conflict transformation.
The journey of this art: Berlin and Vienna 🖼️
We brought this vision to life in two chapters. Each of them was as unique and alive as the people who took part:
🎨 Berlin, April 2024
📍 Our first step into the art studio of peace. For a week, participants explored the foundations of mediation and NVC, and created deep connections with one another and with the tools themselves. Besides the hard work of the team and our participants, we were honored to meet with an expert from the Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF), whose insights help us to understand global mediation practices.
🎨 Vienna, September 2024
📍 The canvas expanded. With fresh inspiration, stronger connections created through Empathy groups, and deepened experience, we came back together not only to practice, but also to create. Our participants didn’t just learn tools, they invented new ones. Rooted in their experiences, contexts, and creativity, these tools are our collective gift to the peacebuilding community.
Are you willing to know more about what we did? Well, let us show you ✨
🎥 Are you into Instagram reels?
Yes? We got you.
Our participants show you, beautifully and simply, how Nonviolent Communication can transform everyday tension into connection.
👉 Watch the reel here
🌸 More of a Poetry Soul?
Here’s a haiku to describe our Berlin journey.
Still, you want to know more about the Berlin painting?
No worries, covered as well:
👉 Read the full reflection here.
🕊️ Curious how we celebrated Peace Day in Vienna?
We brought our own messages for peace and shared them with everyone. 💌 Check them out here.
🧰 So… Now you wonder, what tools did we create?
From card games to conversation maps, board games to videos in different languages — 👉 Discover them all here.
And yes, they’re open-source. Because peace should be shared.
Your turn: What peaceful ART did you create today?
Peace work doesn’t always look like negotiations and treaties. Sometimes, it’s listening deeply to a friend. Or asking, not assuming. Or breathing before speaking.
We believe every act of human connection is a brushstroke in the larger painting of peace.
So, what kind of art did you create for peace today?
“The Art of Nonviolent Dialogue” is a project implemented by Peace Up! Verein für Friedenspädagogik und gewaltfreier Konflikttransformation and Youth Peace Ambassadors Network, and financed by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme, Jugend für Europa, Erasmus + National Agency of Germany.
The content of the page represents the views of the author only and is their sole responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.
