without reflecting on the potential consequences of
what they draw or say. Art allows them to express
themselves without being constrained by their limited
flexibility in using language.
Eyad El Balawi is currently a DEM student at IOB. He is passionate about
the arts and has tried to pave the way for arts to play a central role in
education for children. Eyad writes poems for children’s books and has
been involved in various initiatives in Gaza that bring the arts to the
general public. Exchange to Change asked him about his experiences with
arts as a tool for social change.
EtC: Why do you think art can be a means to
bring about social change?
Art allows you to touch the hearts of people directly.
You do not need a lot of intermediary tools to deliver
your message. Your song, for instance, can be played in
a car, at school, at home or in any other place you like.
Experiences from the field in triggering
social change through the arts
Even though art is a relatively inexpensive tool, your
message can still have a long-term effect.
In addition, art is a good instrument to deliver your
message because it is easy to understand. In our
areas, for instance, it would not be a good idea to write
difficult articles to spread your me