Paper short abstract:

Screening of a video summary from the BREATHE! and Maasai Living Cultures projects, followed by a group discussion to reflect on the shared stories, exploring the connections between personal narratives, broader social issues, and artistic expression.

Paper long abstract:

This proposal seeks to present an experimental panel discussion on the instrumental role of participatory art forms in transitional justice and the healing of communities, as exemplified by the BREATHE! and Maasai Living Cultures projects associated with the Pitt Rivers Museum (PRM). These projects illuminate the potential of creative and cultural endeavours, including participatory video, poetry and music, in addressing historical injustices and fostering an inclusive future.

The BREATHE! project creates spaces for young people to explore and reinterpret Europe's colonial history through participatory filmmaking, while the Maasai Living Cultures project engages in direct redress of historical wrongs by honouring and reintegrating culturally significant objects with the Maasai community. This panel aims to explore how these projects use participatory art to construct narratives that acknowledge past injustices and pave the way for healing and understanding.

This panel aligns with the goals of PE01 by showcasing how aesthetic forms serve as powerful tools for social justice and development, especially in representing communities that have been historically marginalised. The panel will offer insights into how participatory arts can facilitate a deeper understanding and acknowledgement of social justice issues, transcending the limitations of traditional methodologies.

Participatory video serves as a medium for self-representation, expression and interpretation, involving collaborative artistic processes, engaging with complex emotions and moral values, decolonising art, and contributing to cultural representation and preservation. They align with the core principles of aesthetics by providing a platform for exploring and appreciating the depth and diversity of human experiences and expressions.