Somali Arts Foundation (SAF), the first institution for contemporary art in Somalia presents the photographers Fardowsa Hussein and Hana Mire

Shaping Peace Together

Every year the International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day is observed on the 21st of September throughout the world. The theme this year is “Shaping Peace Together”, which celebrates the power of global solidarity towards building a peaceful and sustainable world. 

It is pertinent now more than ever during this period of unprecedented challenges, to observe this Day. This year has clearly illustrated how much we need one another, as COVID-19 has thrown us all into a turmoil by threatening our health, security and our very way of life, serving as a reminder that what happens in one part of the world can indeed impact people everywhere. 

New challenges of division have emerged, spreading hatred and intolerance, from terrorism, to climate change contributing to forced migration and now a global health pandemic. 

While the initial message that gave birth to the International Peace day was intended for armed parties, as a period of non-violence and ceasefire, the day has come to symbolise a celebration for peace and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace. Art is an essential piece to building the peaceful and prosperous future that we want, one which is missing from the peace-building efforts in Somalia in any meaningful way.

Art is an essential piece to building the peaceful and prosperous future that we want

One might ask why contemporary art is important in a context such as Somalia, where other seemingly pressing issues take precedence in the ongoing post conflict reconstruction. Art is a means to examine our environment, to critically engage with it, question and challenge it, while carving out spaces to imagine the futures we want. Art offer spaces to dream, as well as, spaces to make real changes in our society. Art in its purest form gives legitimacy to diversity. Contemporary art in particular is an enquiry into our present day-to-day life, in its multifaceted way. 

By creating safe spaces and activities to promote and nurture contemporary art, we hope to be an integral part of Somalia’s post-conflict reconstruction. We are a nation where over 70% of our population is under the age of 30, making us one of the youngest countries in the world. Our young people need independent safe spaces to express themselves creatively and examine their environments and engage with one another. 

Art and culture give rise to critical reflections

Art and culture give rise to critical reflections and engagement and are an important part of the development democratic societies.