Invitation to participate in the International Peace Mural Exchange Program

To participate as a school/organization:

Fill out a short form of interest and we will contact you to arrange an initial meeting or conference call. As a participating school or organization you will agree to the following:
• Read and sign a Memorandum of Understanding explaining the roles for each party.
• Agree to have at least one full-time faculty or organization head committed to oversee the project.
• Have a minimum of 20 students willing to participate in the project.
• Agree to minimum requirements of art materials** to be used if supplying your own materials to complete one full mural (consisting of two 4 foot x 8 foot canvases).
• Have all students sign and agree to abide by the rules of conduct in the Activity Manual.
Complete a project registration and signed contact form.
Agree to have students sign a model release form for use of photos or video taken by Where Peace Lives.

The Process:

We work with students at the elementary through secondary school levels. Our program includes over 15 interactive activities that focus on conflict resolution and peace building exercises using the visual arts to guide students in engaging discussions. Areas of focus include leadership, communication, critical thinking and problem solving, team building, cultural respect and global understanding.

Students learn to create a powerful and lasting context for peace in their lives. Starting at looking at themselves first this rapidly ripples outward as they look at issues concerning others, community, and society.

What Happens with the Murals?

During the international mural exchange students will be asked to write about what questions they think the mural they received answered and what impact it has had on them. In some cases dialogue between the two exchanging schools may be possible. This opens up a dialogue in a way that fosters community, relatedness, and connectedness across communities, countries, and nations in a whole NEW way.

Where Does The Project Happen?

The projects can take place at the school or organization participating in either a during-school or after-school setting at the discretion of the individual school or organization.

Our intention is to create a cross-cultural and cross-generational environment that maximizes on the outcomes of this global community project. The program also incorporates core curriculum standards for fine arts.

Materials Required

Please contact us for current program costs. Prices may vary outside the continental U.S. Administration fees may apply.

Required materials for mural project:

Canvas Cotton Duck Unprimed — 60 in. x 6 yds. - (#10 minimum weight)
2 Gallons Professional Acrylic White Gesso
Staple Gun Heavy Duty
Staples — 3/8 in. Long Steel Staples
BEST Aluminum Corners (You will use two packs of four on each mural for increased corner strength.)
BEST Aluminum Keys (2 packs of 4) You will use one pack of four on each mural for tightening of canvas once stretched.
Best Aluminum Combo Pro Stretcher Bars 48" 4 each
Best Aluminum Combo Pro Stretcher Bars 96" 4 each
Fire Retardant Liquid for canvas material (as required by school) Roscoflamex C-26 (cottons)
Paints & Brushes: Our supplier is Liquitex (All brushes and paints required for one mural)
Reusable shipping container for murals to exchange internationally.

Fundraising Ideas for Your Group

Our hope is by bringing an attitude of ease and abundance; Fund raising will become a positive part of your school's Where Peace Lives experience. Because our success in schools is due to the participation and leadership of committed students and teachers, fundraising gives you and your school the opportunity to reach out and involve others in your community to make a difference.

Make face-to-face visits with prospective donors.
Make a list of people that have a passion for bringing love and acceptance to schools and could make a contribution to your Where Peace Lives program.
Have a small community gathering for prospective donors.
Invite individuals that are passionate about supporting students to a small event at a home and have them give a presentation about Where Peace Lives.
Ask for financial support from local community groups such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions Club, Junior League or other civic groups.
Ask a local business to "adopt" your school
Many local business men and women care very deeply about young people and their communities.
Seek funds from police departments, school safety funds, drug use prevention funds and nonprofits such as the United Way or local community and family foundations.