Art is participatory!

For 100 years, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has been committed to fostering social and inclusive dialogue on peace, both nationally and internationally. In Mozambique, this commitment dates to 1983. From peace negotiations and reconciliation efforts to national reconstruction processes and the preparation of the country’s first elections, FES has played an active role in shaping peacebuilding initiatives in Mozambique.

A milestone in this journey came in 1993 with the launch of ODE A PAZ, a theatrical and musical production by the National Song and Dance Company (Companhia Nacional de Canto e Dança). The project combined civic education with cultural expression to support post-conflict reconciliation and peacebuilding, while also celebrating Mozambique’s rich artistic heritage. Over one hundred performances were staged across multiple provinces, reaching more than one and a half million spectators.

FES’ continuous search for new paths toward lasting peace has also expanded to include Mozambique’s role within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. This broadened the debate on national and regional security challenges, and in 2013, the Southern African Security Review (SASR) was launched. Co-hosted by the Southern African Defence and Security Management Network (SADSEM) and FES Mozambique, the review grew out of regional security dialogues between academics and practitioners. Since then, the bi-annual publication has provided African perspectives on peace and security processes in Southern Africa, enriched by visual contributions from diverse artists across the region, whose works reflect the evolving context of the publication.

Today, we remain committed to supporting the vibrant interplay between art and society in Mozambique, SADC, and beyond!