Washington Forum on the Future of Our Children - Peace Through Art Program (Cyprus)
April 30, 2002

Summary

Harriet Fulbright - Introductory Remarks

Cyprus - Recent History

The name "Cyprus" was derived from the word "copper" which is an abundant resource found on the island. Cyprus has been a crossroads of civilizations through the ages, with a strong artistic tradition.

The British ruled Cyprus as a colony for about one hundred years, until Cyprus became independent in the 1960s. Independence did not resolve long-standing differences between the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities on the island, however, and Greece and Turkey did little to mitigate the conflict.

During a period of political turmoil in 1974, Turkey "invaded" or "interceded," depending on which side you ask. The result was the hurried, forced movement of people in both communities and the establishment of a rigid "green line" separating the two. At that point the Turkish Cypriots comprised just 18% of the population, and even with substantial Turkish migration to the island since then, Greek Cypriots are still make up a large majority of the island's population.

Turkey continues to maintain a strong military presence on the island, and there has been very little interaction between the two communities over the years. Recently, however, leaders from both sides have agreed, for the first time in 28 years, to meet and hold cooperative discussions on a regular (monthly) basis. A strong impetus for these meetings and the peaceful resolution of ongoing differences is the possible entry of Cyprus (and the not unrelated, hoped-for eventual entry of Turkey) into the European Union.

Fulbright Commission

The Fulbright Commission is in 54 countries, primarily to administer international exchange programs started by the late Senator J. William Fulbright. One important activity that the Commission in Cyprus offers is the opportunity for Cypriots of both communities to meet in the neutral Fulbright House. Many people take the opportunity to discuss apolitical topics, such as child-rearing, education and health.

The U.S. Embassy of Cyprus

The Embassy has been proactive in its support for initiatives that bring both communities together at conferences and other formal gatherings. The objective is always to foster empathy and understanding.

The Big Picture

Cyprus as an island of peace, a place of tolerance, of coexistence and diversity, could be an example and a symbol of hope for the Balkans, the Middle East and beyond. Although trauma from actual violence is not an issue for the younger generation of Cypriots, many barriers to peaceful coexistence remain. It is these barriers that ICAF's Peace Through Art program will address.

Introductions and Program Presentation

After introductions were made around the table, ICAF's Lydia Gizdavcic, who is coordinating the Cyprus Peace Through Art program, outlined the basic elements of the program (see below).

A selection of the Forum participants' comments

Gary De Carolis - talked about the book Common Fire, which highlights social change leaders that break from their mold after having "out of tribe experiences." The Cyprus Peace Through Art Program offers the Cypriot youth this opportunity. The key is to make sure that their leadership qualities are developed, so they contribute their new awareness to society back home.

Kate Archambault - agreed that an obvious goal would be to create a group of leaders, to maximize the program's impact when the young people return to their own communities.

Michael Orlanski - asked about the program's housing arrangements and stressed the importance to keeping everyone together as one unit as much as possible.

Ashfaq Ishaq, ICAF's Executive Director - responded by presenting three options under consideration: the 4-H campus in Chevy Chase; a local Marriott Hotel; or a university dornitory (GW or AU). He also introduced the Arts Olympiad and 2003 Creativity Olympics, which will include a strong peace component and leadership training.

Anne Miller - asked about the curriculum and whether dance might be included. She also asked if any interaction was planned between the Cypriot students and local U.S. students and offered to help make the contacts that would facilitate such interaction.

Malik Sakil - stressed importance of "competency" issues, which need to be explored and molded. He also suggested identifying Cypriot-American youth who could relate their experiences living in a multicultural setting in the U.S. (e.g. eating Chinese and Indian food as a regular part of their "culture")

Rocio Campos - emphasized the need for careful follow-up and proposed that the artwork created in Washington be exhibited as widely as possible, including at the Fulbright House in Cyprus. She offered to design an arts component for the program.

Anne Canzonetti - asked about the students' journals, how the journals would be used and whether they would be published in some form, perhaps on the web.

Jane (Joy) Boissevain, representing CMHSI, ICAF's program partner - answered that the journals would remain "private" (unpublished) but that information contained in them would be available to the facilitors. The students will be told beforehand what use may be made of the journals, and every effort will be made to accommodate each student's desired level of privacy.

Leanna Mella - suggested collaborative arts programs that were very successful bringing conflicting communities together. She recommended NPR's "From the Top" as an example of young musicians working together, and the 52nd Street Project, another collaborative effort among inner-city youth of various neighborhoods. She also offered to identify artists who would be willing to participate in the program, in Washington in July or later on in Cyprus, perhaps as part of a residency.

Sherrye Henry - suggested hosting an Art Exhibit at the U.S. Capitol while the Cypriot youth are still in DC. Much support would come from Louise M Slaught (D-NY) who is on the Arts Caucus.

Katuko Coelho - commented on the healing power of expressing past trauma through art.
Anne Canzonetti - asked about restrictions, if any, that the students' parents might impose.

Malik Sakil - emphasized the vital importance of involving parents in all follow-up activities in Cyprus.

Kate Archambault - addressed both issues, saying that supportive parents were the rule, not the exception, and that parents were normally involved from the inititial screening process onwards.

Jan Osthus - felt strongly that the program should focus on the process, the experience, rather than any final "product." She said the program should be "recorded" as much as possible, using the journals and cameras to record the students' impressions and expressions.

Leanne Mella - emphasized the importance of publicly exhibiting the artwork while the students are still in Washington. She suggested an easy-to-frame format, such as a standard size (e.g., 12"x12").

Dennis Hunt - suggested collaboration between the Cypriot youth and young Sierre Leone refugees (living in the DC area), to begin a dialogue that would broaden everyone's perspective.

Portia Davidson - outlined her extensive experience directing theatrical productions, as well as her marketing background, offered to help publicize the program.

CMHSI

Following Lydia's presentation, Jane (Joy) Boissevain briefly described CMHSI, its history, its leadership, and its prior programs in Estonia and Georgia, among others. She also talked about the center's work, particularly focusing on the transgenerational transmission of trauma.

More about ICAF, CMHSI and the Cyprus Peace Through Art program was contained in the handout Forum participants received. More details will be available soon. Thanks again to everyone who contributed. Lydia's notes are below. Please feel free to revise and extend your remarks over the next week or so, at which point we will "finalize" this summary. More...