‘Peace artists’ challenge youth to fight for peace through art

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 20): ‘Peace artists’ challenge youth to fight for peace through art

Peace artists from two of the premiere universities in the country challenged the youth to become advocates of peace through practicing art effectively during a peace-art seminar held in the city recently.

“Art is a very powerful tool of expression. Use it effectively and you can sway society to work for peace,” said Professor Arvin Villalon, a peace artist and professor of psychology at the University of the Philippines – Baguio.

Villalon said that there are many types of art to include music, theatre, and even the multimedia. “As long as you have something to express, you could do it in art.”

He commented that art is one of the factors widely responsible for the EDSA revolution. “There were plenty of artists who used their creativity and dedication for a common purpose,” he said.

Villalon added that sending a message through art can be very powerful. “With ordinary words, we only make the audience know about what’s happening. With art, we make them feel.”

“It is really an effective platform to promote peace,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Professor Pepito Sumayan of Mindanao State University - Marawi challenged the youth not to waste time and be part of the crusade for peace. “Every kid has a great potential in art, they have to use this potential and develop them.”

“The real artist mirrors what is happening in his or her community. The real artist advocates rights and all that is good. If you do this in your own little way, you have become a deeper, more powerful artist,” Sumayan said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2651476948155/-peace-artists-challenge-youth-to-fight-for-peace-through-art