In Place of War

In Place of War is a global organisation that uses creativity as a tool for positive change, to transform cultures of violence and suffering into hope, opportunity and freedom. It aims to bring hope and provide a voice for marginalised communities, in places of conflict in 26 countries. The charity is connected via a network of over a hundred grassroots change-makers across the Global South, and uses music, theatre, visual arts and cultural entrepreneurship to build sustainable peace, and to sustain livelihoods, impacting hundreds of thousands each year.

During the pandemic they partnered with 11 grassroots community organisations in the UK to find 100 Agents of Change – In Place of War’s first major UK-based programme. Working with these partner organisations to recruit young people from marginalised communities, such as young refugees, asylum seekers, disabled people, LGBTQI+ young people & people living in poverty, In Place of War connected them with the international change-maker network, developing and delivering a programme that brought Global South knowledge to the UK. This was via an online residency programme that brought together change-makers (artists, activists & cultural leaders) who are all working to create lasting change in their local communities, to share practice, experiences, skills and knowledge with the young people in the UK. In Place of War formed a Youth Advisory Board (YAB) to advise on the design and there were also mentoring & seed funding opportunities. In 2022, In Place of War was a recipient of the Award for Civic Arts Organisations in recognition of the impact of the project. The charity is now fundraising for a new and extended three-year model of the programme.

For more information about the work of In Place of War, visit www.inplaceofwar.net and for more information on the 100AC programme see the 100 Agents of Change Report & the 100 Agents of Change Webpage.

People take part in breakdancing programmes in Kampala, Uganda.

GRRRL: An electronic music collaboration global supergroup featuring women of colour from international conflict zones, brought together & managed by In Place of War, and aiming to create a platform for marginalised voices and intercultural dialogue and awareness.