The Art of Humanity
Rights and Humanity has always used artistic expression as a means of communication and we have often invited musicians and artists to contribute to our events. In 2004, Rights and Humanity launched a creative, participatory programme entitled ‘The Art of Humanity’ to build on and expand this aspect of our work. Its aim is to use art in all its forms to teach about human rights and responsibilities by highlighting our common humanity and prompting a deeper awareness of issues of justice, peace and development.
We have undertaken several pilot projects to develop this initiative and held a number of events in the UK. We will be expanding to international events in our current Strategic Work Plan 2008-2012.
Participation of School Children and Young People
Rights and Humanity joined forces with Lyndons Art Trust to educate disadvantaged young people on several themes taken from The Rights and Humanity Principles of Responsibility. The children developed collages to represent:
- appreciation for the richness of diversity and the dignity of difference
- the responsibility to respect nature and protect our shared environment
- women’s rights.
A second pilot project, in conjunction with the Central School of Speech and Drama, used forum theatre and creative art in workshops for young people, to explore various aspects of human rights and responsibilities, including the concept of integrity as well as issues surrounding asylum, slavery and abuse.
A third project involved, again in cooperation with the Central School of Speech and Drama, used forum theatre to help young people with learning difficulties to appreciate human rights and their own responsibilities and potential.
Involvement of Artists to Broaden Awareness of Human Rights and Responsibilities
- Rights and Humanity held a concert on 16th April 2005, by a trio of classical musicians.
- We organised an art exhibition and auction to raise money for Rights and Humanity and organisations working to provide long-term futures for women in the afternath of the Pakistani earthquake of 2005.
- The inclusion of music and artwork in our gala dinner on 9 March, 2006 to celebrate international women’s day the previous day, emphasised our message of the importance of rights and responsibilities to the empowerment of women.
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu, one of our Patrons, designed an original peace of artwork for us for use on Tshirts, mugs and a decorative plate and mug with the message "We are family“. The prototype was auctioned in his presence in Doha, Qatar, in November 2006, at a charity dinner hosted by the Emir and Emira and raised funds for Rights and Humanity’s work.