PRESS RELEASE

Peace Through Art in Washington, DC (July 1, 2002)

Twenty Cypriot youth arrive today in Washington, DC to participate in a three-week peace program organized by the International Child Art Foundation (ICAF).

The Greek- and Turkish-Cypriot youth, generally Christian and Muslim respectively, have grown up on opposite sides of the "Green Line" dividing the island. The program's objective is to begin preparing Cypriot youth for mutual understanding and cooperation so they can help lead the two communities to live side by side in an open society. Cyprus as a place of tolerance, coexistence and diversity would be a symbol of hope for the Balkans, the Middle East and beyond.

ICAF has developed an innovative program in collaboration with the University of Virginia School of Medicine's Center for the Study of Mind and Human Interaction (CSMHI), art therapists, peace educators and conflict resolution experts. Based on arts learning and new research on human behavior, the methodology draws upon the creativity and imagination of young people to transform hostility into friendship. The young peace-builders will learn ethics of responsibility, tools of peace leadership, and employ the power of the arts for self-expression, empathy and cooperation.

The program has already qualified as one of the finalist for Stockholm Challenge, the prestigious global award for best practices. Major funding for the program was provided by the Cyprus Fulbright Commission. Program supporters and in-kind contributors include the 170+ member strong Congressional Arts Caucus, Eastman Kodak Company, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Army Arts & Crafts, the Washington, DC 2012 Olympic Coalition and the World Bank Art Program.

Press is invited to the following events:

July 9 (11 am):

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery
Participants to lay a wreath at the Tomb in a special ceremony