Arts Lab uses visual art to transform communities
We work with artists, communities and partners worldwide to explore creative, holistic and practical approaches to conflict resolution, peacebuilding and social unity.
Through hands-on making, dialogue and imagination, we support people to connect more deeply with themselves, with each other, and with the world around them.
As artist-changemakers with over forty years’ combined experience in the field, we have witnessed first-hand visual art’s unique capacity to bring people together and catalyse personal, social and political change. We see our work as part of a wider international peacebuilding movement, continually learning how to navigate and respond to the complexities of conflict and peace in everyday life.
We understand peacebuilding as a process of social change — transforming how people see the world, their own identities, and their relationships with others.
What we do
Based in the UK and working both nationally and internationally, Arts Lab:
- Develops programmes and delivers workshops with communities experiencing or recovering from conflict and social challenges
- Works with pioneering individuals and organisations across the arts, education, climate action, criminal justice, community health, development, and peace and conflict fields
- Offers inclusive, engaging workshops for people of all artistic skill levels, building creative confidence and agency
- Hosts studio visits, exhibitions, artist residencies and events at Arts Lab’s Rural Peace Hub in Northumberland, UK
- Showcases artwork by participants and facilitators through Arts Lab’s online Gallery
- Shares global art news, reflections and stories through our blog, Art Matters
Our Approach
Arts Lab’s methodology is rooted in relationship-building, identity and the power of imagination. Our practice draws on peacebuilding theory and lived experience, using expression, dialogue, observation and collaborative, hands-on making to deepen self-awareness and understanding of others.
We work holistically — integrating thinking (head), feeling (heart), physical action (hands) and observation (eyes). For us, meaningful change happens through process, participation and shared experience.
Our Vision
A world that values visual art and artists as essential contributors to building sustainable, peaceful communities — and recognises visual art as integral to peace and conflict education.
Our Mission
- To establish visual art as a dynamic, inclusive and participatory tool for peacebuilding and social transformation
- To support conflict-affected communities through creative expression and collaborative making
- To build partnerships that encourage experimentation, dialogue and shared learning
- To champion young, socially engaged artists as leaders in non-violent social change
- To make art accessible to everyone, supporting connection, voice and purpose
