A Model for Art-Based Peace Education The international peace NGO, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), and Timor-Leste’s respected art institution, Arte Moris, have partnered to implement “The 3rd Peace Mural Project” at the University of Peace (UNPAZ) in Dili. The project, which is underway from September to December 2025, represents a continued effort to establish a new model of “peace education through art.” Following the 2023 mural at the Xanana Sports Center and the 2024 project in Kakaulidun Village, this initiative marks the third community-participatory peace art project. Each session brings together around 30 local artists and volunteers, with a total of six mural-painting sessions scheduled through December. Background and Context Timor-Leste, a nation that has navigated decades of conflict before gaining independence in 2002, continues to prioritize peacebuilding and cultural resilience. Against this backdrop, community-centered art projects have gained relevance as accessible tools for fostering dialogue, identity, and social cohesion. This year’s Peace Mural Project situates itself within that ongoing national effort, highlighting the role of the arts in public peace education. HWPL’s efforts for the “Peace City Dili” Initiative go beyond one-time campaigns, aiming instead to create sustainable, everyday experiences of peace within local communities. Since 2023, HWPL has been collaborating with Timorese art groups and civil society to integrate peace into daily life through artistic expression. Mural Themes and Educational Elements The murals being created at UNPAZ reinterpret HWPL’s 12 peace education lessons using Timor-Leste’s cultural symbols and visual traditions. By placing the murals along frequently used walkways and public areas on campus, the project allows students and local residents to encounter the artwork as part of their daily routes, encouraging ongoing reflection on peace. Supported by Vinod Patel Paints, guided by Arte Moris, and completed through the voluntary participation of community members, the project embodies the central message that “peace is a collective work of art.” This cooperative model has emerged as a practical example of art-based peace education — where learning takes place not only through content but through the collaborative process itself. Voices from the Field An HWPL representative commented, “This peace mural, now in its third year, is more than artwork—it is a symbol of our shared commitment with the people of Timor-Leste to cultivate lasting peace. Our goal is to create peaceful spaces that anyone can encounter in their everyday lives.” Next Steps With the completion of the mural, HWPL is will continue pursuing a long-term vision to expand the ‘Peace City’ Initiative throughout Dili. Future plans include collaborating with universities and youth organizations in Timor-Leste to carry out peace education workshops, art exhibitions, and youth volunteer programs. These initiatives aim to strengthen youth participation in peacebuilding and deepen community engagement through creative expression.