Conflict Transformation is one of Salzburg Global Seminar’s three strategic priorities. This landmark collaboration with Cambodian Living Arts will connect arts activators and changemakers from twenty countries, drawing together insights from our multi-year programs on Culture and the Arts, Holocaust Education and Genocide Prevention, and our Young Cultural Innovators Forum.

Just over 40 years ago, the Khmer Rouge regime launched its genocidal regime in which nearly 2 million Cambodians died – including 90% of the artists working in the country. In 2016, with 60% of the country’s population under 25, Cambodia’s first post-genocide generation has the opportunity to work with and through the arts to rebuild community, renew unique cultural traditions, and foster resilience and economic innovation.

This three-day workshop will address critical challenges faced by many countries during and after mass atrocities, exploring ways to overcome mistrust, preserve heritage and collective identity, and build supportive partnerships with government and other organizations. Participants will create the basis for an international network of arts activators and advocates to transform pre- and post-conflict societies, advancing the notion of culture as a vehicle for peace and dialogue and as a driver for inclusive development.

More information on the forum can be found here.

During the three-day workshop, Salzburg Global will convene a special evening event on "Places of Memory" at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school where some 17,000 people were imprisoned and tortured. Discussions will be informed by our highly-respected work on Holocaust and genocide education and remembrance, through which we have built a major international network to foster dialogue, promote tolerance, and share knowledge and resources.

Panelists include:

Clare Shine, Vice President and Chief Program Officer, Salzburg Global Seminar
Charley Todd, Board President, Cambodian Living Arts
Chhay Visoth, Director, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

For any inquiries about the event, please email jheinecke@salzburgglobal.org.