On December 6th, 2024 we hosted an engaging and introspective activity that blended music, art, and personal storytelling. Each participant was invited to select a song that resonated with the theme of peace, whether on a personal level or in a broader, collective sense. These choices spanned different genres, cultures, and languages, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences within the group. Some songs carried nostalgic or deeply emotional meanings, while others represented a vision of peace tied to specific moments, movements, or memories.
Photo: Maryna Bykova
Inspired by the learned methodology during the “Art in Action” training in Madeira earlier this year, we used the approach of synestisia for a creative journey in Erfurt.
As the music played, participants immersed themselves in an artistic process where emotions guided their hands, translating sounds into colors, textures, and imagery. Without rigid instructions or predefined themes, they were encouraged to let go and follow the rhythm, allowing the melodies to shape their paintings and collages in an intuitive and organic way. This approach fostered a sense of freedom and playfulness, as each person interpreted the music through their own unique artistic lens.
Once the creative process was complete, we gathered to share our work and discuss our song choices and artistic interpretations. This exchange became a deeply reflective and insightful conversation, where participants not only described why they had chosen their particular songs but also explored how their selections connected to their personal understanding of peace.
The follow-up discussion revealed a rich tapestry of perspectives, showcasing how peace is felt, imagined, and experienced in different ways across cultures, histories, and personal journeys.
Beyond being an artistic exercise, this activity created a space for connection, self-discovery, and emotional expression. It provided a moment for participants to pause, reflect, and engage with music and art in a meaningful way. The session highlighted how peace is not merely a concept but a deeply personal and emotional experience—one that can be felt through sound, expressed through art, and shared through conversation. Through this creative process, we were reminded of the universal power of music and artistic expression in bringing people together, fostering dialogue, and inspiring new ways of thinking and feeling.
Photos: Maryna Bykova
This session was part of the local piloting phase of “The Missing Piece” project (Pr.Nr.: 2022-2-IE01-KA220-YOU-000096690) and inspired by the learnings of the “Art in Action” training (Pr.Nr.: 2023-1-DE02-KA122-ADU-000145566), both projects are co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Program.
