Arts and Culture for

Peace Initiative

2023

Contents Page

Arts and Culture for Peace Initiative.......................4
Journey to Kyto, Japan.....................................................5
About the Program............................................................5
Program Timetable............................................................7
Meeting Venues Kyoto....................................................12
Gift a Poem.............................................................................14
Oxford University Kilns....................................................17
One Cup....................................................................................18
Thank You to Our Sponsors..........................................19-3-

Arts and Culture for Peace Initiative
UK ASPnet, supported by Japan’s National ASPnet Coordinator, isleading this new Initiative, which is inspired by the UK-Japan Between
the Stones project and pilot projects by five Coventry schools.
The Initiative was officially launched at the International Virtual‘Connecting for Peace’ UNESCO ASPnet U.K. Conference on 17 June
2022.
The UNESCO ASPnet Arts & Culture for Peace Initiative focuses on
three important ASPnet Action Areas related to ‘peace’, ‘sustainability’and ‘intercultural learning and heritage’.
The aim is for young people around the world to work on the following‘transformative’ arts & culture for peace activities:• E-forest for Peace – Create artistically dynamic peace trees (realor imagined) with peace poems and images to highlight theimportance of living in peace with ourselves, our communities,
and our planet.

• Performing Arts for Peace – Develop and perform stories, plays
and songs that reflect our global citizenship, cultural diversity
and the challenges of ensuring a more peaceful world throughthe transformative efforts of students.

• Gardens for Peace – Use ideas and designs for peace gardens to

support the well-being of others, as well as to convey the criticaland urgent importance of living more peacefully and sustainably
with nature, ourselves and our planet.

Schools may work on one, two, or all three activities – or any
combination of these.
They are also asked to use a ‘less is more’ minimal creative and-4-intellectual approach across diverse cultural forms, which will also
reflect the spirit of sustainability in completing this activity. Schools may
work with artists and other partners.
The results of these activities should aim to benefit both local andglobal communities in relation to the three ASPnet Action Areas.

Journey to Kyoto, Japan
Following the launch of the Arts and Peace for Culture Initiative theU.K ASPnet coordinator and the ASPnet International Coordinator
Paris led on bringing together ASPnet National Coordinators globallyto develop a programme in collaboration with Doshisha University in
Kyoto, Japan during the 70th anniversary year of ASPnet.
During the many months of planning the programme changed manytimes and many of our colleagues from the steering committee were
not able to commit to join us in Japan, but they will be in our hearts as
we share cultural learning together in Kyoto.
The countries participating are Japan, South Korea, The Gambia, Oman,
Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Singapore and the U.K.

About the Program
Doshisha University’s Liferisk Research Centre, in liaison with UNESCO
Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) UK, the U.K. National Commission
for UNESCO will jointly organise a 5-day cultural exchange withlearners and educators. In cooperation with Kyoto University of Foreign
Studies and supported by Kyoto UNESCO Association, Kobe University’sCentre for Computational Social Science, and International Society for
Education and Tamagawa University (Teacher Education Institute of
ASPnet).
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Schools will be working on the Arts and Culture for Peace initiative U.K.
in Kyoto, Japan known for traditional Japanese culture and promoting
sustainability.
The exchange aims to provide intercultural experiences among theparticipants to discuss the challenges to achieve a Culture of Peace.
This will be enlightened by the global peace-relay, through a hybrid tea
ceremony hosted by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Dr Genshitsu Sen
at the Opening Ceremony, to connect with ASPnet students who share
their own tea cultures from all regions.
The 5-day programme is set out within the framework of the key
theme of the ASPnet 70th anniversary celebration “Fostering a Cultureof Peace and Sustainable Development through Transformative
Education.”
The programme invites approximately 70 participants, students of age
11 to 16 accompanied by teachers, and National Coordinators, from 9
countries (ensuring gender and regional balance) including students
and teachers from Japan.
The outcome of this event will be showcased at the exhibition tocelebrate the ASPnet 70th anniversary during the General Conferencein November 2023.

Students will:• Learn about peace initiatives from communities around the world
and consider how they can implement what they have learnt intheir own communities.

• Learn to work collaboratively and peacefully in an internationalsetting, developing tolerance and understanding.

-6-• Learn about the difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking.

• Learn about delivering sustainable development and sustainable
lifestyles.

• Learn about cultures and traditions and appreciating cultural
diversity and heritage.

• Learn how to use creative arts to tell their story through theatre,art, sound, music, poetry and ceramics; to create impactful
displays to be showcased at the UNESCO General Conference
and other sites.

Program Timetable
Arrival and departure times can be seen here. On the following pages
you will find the weeks timetable of activities.

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September 2023
Individual
timings
to beconfirmed

Arrivals:
Students, teachers and NCs arrive in Kyoto and settle into
accommodation.

Saturday 16th September 2023
Individual
timings
to beconfirmed

Departures:
Kansai Group Departure from Accommodation to Kansai International
Airport (90 minutes by Shuttle Taxi)
Itami Group: Departure from Accommodation to Itami Airport(50 minutes by Shuttle Taxi)-7-

Monday 11th September 2023
07:30

Departure from Accommodation

08:55

Welcome performance of Japanese traditional music “Spring Sea” by Michio Miyagi

09:00

Opening (at Kanbai-Kan, Doshisya University) (English)
The ceremony will be live streamed by zoom to other ASPnet students
who cannot attend on site based on the pre-registration.
Welcome remarks:
Tomoko Ueki, President of Doshisha University
Ann Beatty, UNESCO ASPnet National Coordinator U.K.

09:20

Keynote speech: UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Dr Genshitsu Sen(interpretation JPN/EN)

09:50

Julie Saito, UNESCO ASPnet International Coordinator

10:00

Speech from Mr. Daijiro Ai, President of Kyoto UNESO Association(interpretation JPN/EN) “Kyoto and UNESCO - from an historical perspective”

10:25

Speech from Prof. Michiko Kato, Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS), Chair of ASP
UnivNet*“Kyoto, UNESCO, and ASPnet – sharing practices from Kyoto and Japan”*ASP UnivNet: Interuniversity Network Supporting The UNESCO Associated Schools Network

11:00

Exchange Overview

11:30

Gift a Poem (Poland) Arts and Culture for Peace Initiative (UK)Ann Beatty and Malgorzata Herbich invite student’s to share poems and place onto peace trees
Performance of Japanese traditional music
Chidori no Kyoku, Medley of Japanese music (12 minutes)

12:00

Lunch at Doshisha University cafeteria

13:00

Art Workshop
Presentation
Art production presentation on the theme of SDGs.
Students and teachers from Belgian and Japanese high schools since the foundation of ASPnet.
Participants will reflect their cultural experiences and observation in their co-creation.
Facilitator: Japan Art Mile
(15min break during the workshop)
While students are making art, teachers and the National Coordinators move to anothermeeting room and participate in cutting-edge discussions on the mechanisms by which
physically challenged people’s art is connected to their vitality to live with disabilities. Q&A anddiscussion (about 45 minutes).
Professor OGAKI Masao, Keio University (open to public with pre-registration)

17:00

Welcome Reception
Doshisha University, restaurant of Kambaikan building 1st floor

18:30

Leave for Accommodation-8-

Tuesday 12th September 2023
07:50

Departure from Accommodation

09:00

Cultural Outing at Kawamura Noh Theatre – Arts and Culture for Peace Initiative
Gathering at the Kawamura Noh Theatre: Exchange views on the previous day’s tea culture andgarden appreciation. Noh appreciation and experience: consider cultural diversity in terms ofemotional expression together.
Professor Haruhisa Kawamura, Noh Actor, National Living Heritage of Japan
Short performance of Noh, and lecture on Noh. Visit the Noh Theatre as an entry point todiscuss cultural diversity and how cultures create and express emotions.

11:05

Departure from Kawamura Noh Theatre

11:30

Arrival at Doshisha University
Lunch at Doshisha University cafeteria

13:00

Leave Doshisha University to Daitokuji Temple

14:00

Cultural Outings: Visit Daitokuji Temple
Join the tour of visit a Japanese Zen Garden and experience Zazen, include Japanese tea
Matcha. Thorough the tour, participants have chance to think and discuss topics and issues
related to individual and collective well-being and the importance of living more sustainably
with nature, and our planet. (120 minutes)

16:00

Free time

Wednesday 13th September 2023
08:15

Departure from Accommodation

09:00

Visit Ittoen School (junior and high school) (ASPnet school)
Ittoen High School students are learning Noh in their curriculum. Participants will visit the schooland see the curriculum as well as exchange views.
Visit Kyoto Municipal Ansyu Elementary School (ASPnet School)
Participants will be visiting Ansyu Elementary School, an ASPnet School in Kyoto engaged
with innovative activities to integrate the SDGs and ESD in teaching and learning. Interactive
discussion among the teachers and students will take place, including having lunch together.

12:45

Departure from the School to the hotel.
Free to explore Kyoto
Places might be of interest to visit; Kinkakuji Temple, Ginkakuji Templemm Nijo Castle.
Travel times will be confirmed on the day.
Departure from Accommodation to Kinkakuji Temple
Arrival at Kinkakuji Temple
Departure from Kinkakuji Temple to Ginkakuji Temple
Arrival at Ginkakuji Temple
Departure from Ginkakuji Temple to Nijo Castle
Arrival at Nijo Castle
Departure from Nijo Castle to Japanese pottery-9-Thursday 14th September 2023
07:50

Departure from Accommodation

09:00

Presentation: Keiko Ogura (Hiroshima Peace Memorial
A Survivor Story and reflections on the importance of peace.

10:45

Workshop 1: Role of Young Leaders for ASPnet
Discussion groups to talk about the role, vision and needs for the young ambassador of ASPnet
to promote peace and cultural understanding.
Facilitator: Makoto Kobayashi, Professor of Tamagawa University, ASPnet

11:30

Workshop 2: Professor Kazuo Nishimura (President of International Society for Education,
Project Professor of Kobe University) speaks about the moral education.

12:00

Lunch at Doshisha University cafeteria

13:00

Leave for Urasenke (15min walk)

13:30

Attend a tea ceremony (90 minutes) hosted by Urasenke Tea School. (TBC)
Students can experience tea ceremony and feel the spirit of Chado and the message of
UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Dr Genshitsu Sen.

16:00

Wrap up Session
Participants wrap up the 4-day discussions and exchange ideas to draft the highlights of thetrip, the learning and understanding which they wish to share with their ASPnet colleagues andwish to be presented during the General Conference to integrate the visions of ASPnet students
on Peace and Cultural Understanding through Arts and Culture discussed during the cultural
exchange.
Facilitators: Ann Beatty National Coordinator U.K. and Lamin Jarjou National Coordinator
The Gambia

17:00

Farewell Reception at Doshisha University, Ryoshinkan basement restaurant
Gift a Poem (Poland) Arts and Culture for Peace Initiative (UK)Student’s share poems and remove from peace trees to exchange with each other.

18:00

Leave for Accommodation

Friday 15th September 2023
08:00

Departure from Accommodation
Japanese One Cup pottery workshop (Bizen city)
Participants will reflect their experiences and thoughts on their own tea bowl production andshare messages of peace and sustainability.
Facilitator: Bizen Potters, leading The Living National Treasure of Bizen - Ise Zaki Jun
Sensai and Miyuki Arimura (Head of Charioyu) Dr. Robin Wilson Oxford University
Return to accommodation- 10 -

Venues
Doshisha University Kanbaikan
Karasuma-higashi-iru, Imadegawa-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto city602-8580. Doshisha University HP: https://www.doshisha.ac.jp/en/
information/kambai/index.html
September 11th, 12th and 14th, lunch (student cafeteria), Welcome andFarewell Receptions.

Kawamura Noh Theater
Yanagino Zushi-cho 320-14, Kamidachiuri Agaru, Karasuma, Kamigyoku, Kyoto. You can find more information about Noh and Kawamura Noh
Theater with their HP https://www.noh-plus.com/en/
September 11th, morning event.
Daitokuji-temple Daisen-in
Daitokuji-cho54-1, Murasakino, Kita-ku, Kyoto city, 603-8231
Daisen-in HP: https://daisen-in.net/syokai.htm
Tour of the Japanese Garden, Zazen*, Japanese tea. For Zazen, people
are required to sit on a floor, so it is recommend to wear comfortable
clothes, and not recommend short/tight skirt/pants.
*Zazen is seated meditation. For more information, you can find from theother temple’s HP in English; https://www.myoshinji.or.jp/english/zen/
what.html
September 11th, afternoon event.

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Visit to ASPnet Schools in Kyoto
Ittoen School (Junior & Highschool): Yanagiyama-cho 29, Shinomiya,
Yamashina-ku, Kyoto city 607-8025
Ansyu Primary School: Yamakawa-cho 17, Ansyu, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto
city, 607-8015
September 13th, morning event.
Urasenke (Experience of Tea Ceremony)
682 Teranouchi Tate-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto city, 602-0073
About Japanese tea ceremony, Chado, you can find more informationfrom Urasenke HP: https://www.urasenke.or.jp/texte/about/chado/
Since we are requested to sit on a floor (Tatami room) during the tea
ceremony, it would be better to wear smart casual and comfortable
clothes (not recommend short/tight skirt/pants)
September 14th, afternoon event.
Bizen city, Okayama
784, Shizutani, Bizen city, Okayama prefecture, 705-0036
Former Shizutani School an historic site, as well as used for educational
training center, including making pottery. For more information: http://
shizutani.jp/english
September 15th, morning event.
Map of Kyoto at https://kyoto.travel/en/info/maps-apps/
l0fe8b0000000z7l-att/a1656566992954.pdf- 13 -Gift a Poem
Arts and Culture for Peace Initiative (U.K.) and Gift a Poem (Poland)
invite you to participate in this collaboration in Kyoto to celebrate the70th Anniversary of UNESCO ASPnet.
The UNESCO ASPnet Arts & Culture for Peace Initiative focuses on
three important ASPnet Action Areas related to ‘peace’, ‘sustainability’and ‘intercultural learning and heritage’. You can find out more about
the Arts & Culture for Peace Initiative here: https://unesco.org.uk/artsculture-for-peace-initiative/
We believe that through the collaboration with the Gift a Poem
programme this encapsulates these areas through creating peace trees
with peace poems and images to highlight the importance of living inpeace with ourselves, our communities, and our planet.
The Zbigniew Herbert Foundations mission is to preserve anddisseminate the creative legacy of Zbigniew Herbert, one of thegreatest poets of the 20th century as well as to promote reading amonga wider audience of people. They do this through an educational andsocial campaign ‘Gift a Poem’.
The ‘Gift a Poem’ campaign became part of ASPnet’s 70th anniversarycelebrations and was carried out on World Poetry Day on March 21,2023 in 14 countries. On the campaign’s website (www.giftapoem.pl) you
will find detailed information on this initiative.

The Activity:
We invite all participants of the meeting in Kyoto to bring handwritten
poems - messages of peace - for their colleagues from other countries
taking part in the event.

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We invite you and your students to join us in 4 simple steps:
1. Choose a book of poetry at home or at school.
2. Select a poem.
3. Copy the chosen poem by hand onto a stationary card*. If you
choose a poem in your mother tongue, please copy a translationof the poem into English on the back.
4. Bring the poem to Kyoto with you to hang on the peace tree
at the opening ceremony and share with others at the closing
ceremony.
* The stationary card is A4 size, 120 gsm weight. Then cut it, punch ahole at the top and thread it with a ribbon to hang on the peace tree,
like traditional Japanese Tanzaku Peace Poems. The poems should be
handwritten with the monogram of “Gift a Poem”, and please write yourname, school address and school email on the back of the card.

Zbigniew Herbert wrote poems and letters to friends and artists who
were important to him, to people he valued and some of these letterswere later included in the poets’ books and are among his mostinsightful and moving works. This writer’s gesture of giving someone a
handwritten poem is what inspires this initiative.
We believe that the act of offering someone words of poetry is athoroughly human one. Potentially a form of friendly presence andspiritual support. A means of sustaining hope. That is why we encourage
you to participate in this initiative and join the collaboration with theArts and Culture for peace Initiative.
The organised ‘Gift a Poem’ initiative joined with the ‘Arts and Culture
for Peace Initiative’ could become a lesson in compassion as well as anopportunity to build friendships in Kyoto and consider how to ensure- 15 -

peace and sustainability in our communities for future generations;through the sharing of our cultural heritage.
This has been organised by Malgorzata Herbich National (Coordinator
Poland) and Ann Beatty (National Coordinator U.K).

- 16 -

Oxford University Kilns
Oxford University Kilns is a Japanese-inspired research project foundedin 2014, by Dr Robin Wilson of the Deprtment of Anthropology in Oxford.
It is based at the research woodlands of the University of Oxford, known
as Wytham Woods. We currently have four wood-fired ceramics kilns,
two of which are single-chambered anagama style kilns, one of which
was built by the Bizen kiln-builder and ceramic artist Takuma Takikawa.
Taku-san visited the University as Resident Artist on several occasions
between 2015 and 2017 with the support of the Daiwa Foundation.
Other Japanese potters have always been involved with the project,which counted as its first Patron the Living National Treasure of Bizen,
Isezaki Jun, who visited Oxford in 2015 with a delegation from Bizen for
the inauguration of our first anagama kiln firing.
The purpose of the project is to introduce and inspire new andestablished potters in the art and craft of woodfired ceramics. We workwith established fine artists and master craftsmen from Britain, Japanand around the world, as well as having a formal outreach programmeof teaching and learning in Japanese-inspired woodfiring that draws
in a network of art institutions, museums, community potteries andindividuals.
As well as taking Oxford’s students from archaeology, anthropology, fineart and museum studies, we work with postgraduates from the Royal
College of Art, the University of Art, London, Clay College, Goldsmiths
University, Falmouth Art School, and many others.
We have outreach programmes, mentoring and work experience withschools of all age groups.
We have exhibitions of work at Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum and Pitt
Rivers Museum, and pursue a range of academic publications, public
lectures, and regular workshops. Potters working at the kilns exhibit andsell their work in galleries and venues globally.
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Research is undertaken under the direction of Dr Robin Wilson that
includes the technical aspects of kiln-firing as well as the social andcultural dimensions of craft activity in the wider economic community.
The practical aim of the project is to provide a longterm, financiallysustainable model for craftspeople using traditional and hybrid
technologies in their practice, and to locate this within a framework ofuniversity research and a network of support that proactivity enables
craft to be pursued in a culturally engaging, socially inclusive andfinancially viable manner.

One Cup
In learning about the collaboration between Bizen Pottery and Oxford
University Anagama kilns and learning from the Grand Tea Master Dr
Genshitsu Sen we have developed the concept of ‘One Cup’.
Through the sharing of one cup of tea (as is traditional in Japanese tea
ceremonies) we will have the opportunity to reflect on the sharing ofsustenance and ensuring that all children have equal access to foodand resources. This will enable us to gain an understanding of socialand environmental responsibility and the part that they play in peacemaking both in their own communities and globally.
There will be workshops, discussions and cultural activities over thefive days, working on the theme of ‘One Cup’ will result in an exhibition
highlighting young people’s call for a more equal and peaceful world
where there is cooperation and sharing of resources. We believe
working together, young people will develop a better understanding ofdifferent cultures which will promote tolerance and unity.

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A Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to all our sponsors who without your support this event
would not have been possible:• Between the Stones• Oxford University• Warwick University• Coventry City Council• The Daiwa Foundation• The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation• Coventry’s Lord Mayor’s Committee for Peace and Reconciliation• The Rotary Club of Coventry• Land Rover• Sisters of St Joseph of Peace

newmedianetworks.net- 19 -

Page for notes- 20 -