How do performing arts convey the idea of peace? This online symposium invites scholars, artists, and practitioners to explore the notion of peace as it emerges through the aesthetic languages of performance. We will delve into this theme by examining the dynamic relationship—be it one of tension or harmony—between the rasa Shringara (love, beauty, desire) and Shanta (peace, serenity) within the framework of Indian performing traditions.

Samagam serves as the foundation for CPPA’s year-round engagement, featuring in-person events, workshops, advocacy efforts, and collaborations.

This year's theme, ‘Art and Interconnectedness’, explores art’s potential to bridge divides in a world marked by pervasive conflict.

How can art unite people across different cultures? What does interconnectedness mean within the realm of the performing arts? These are just a few of the questions Samagam seeks to address.

‘Gender, Arts and Peacebuilding: How do we interpret peace and conflict?’, explored how performing arts allow for multi-dimensional thinking on peacebuilding, moving beyond gender constructs. The session brought a diverse community together to discuss different perspectives on conflict and how the performing arts are linked to the expression of ourselves in pursuit of peaceful action.

CPPA launched an evening of classical dance choreographies by exponents exploring, challenging, and curating performing arts to engage and initiate conversations on peacebuilding!

Guru Sujata Mohapatra, renowned Odissi danseuse and choreographer, shared her journey of exploration and practice in the performing arts.

The session concluded with remarks by Dr Karine Leblanc on arts engagement in academia.

The European peace festival in its second chapter brought forth performing artists from across Madrid to call on support for peace missions. It was joined by stalwarts and practitioners of performing arts.

This peace festival was a pioneering event whereby practitioners and art connoisseurs came together to celebrate the power of performing arts to foster global peace. The proceedings were contributed to ongoing humanitarian responses in Europe.

The virtual art session brought performing artists under one platform to express their understanding and interpretation of peace. Engaging with the humanitarian community, the session started off with a briefing from the Humanitarian Advisor to the United Nations World Food Programme in Yemen on the values of engaging performing arts for fostering peace.

Led by the renowned classical dancer and performer, Ileana Citaristi, the session focused on engaging performing arts enthusiasts in a proactive session around the value of dance drama. The session was divided into two segments: chhau and odissi dance.