Peacebuilding in Karachi, Pakistan : to counter hate, suspicion and intolerance : an artist collective leads : the potential nexus between arts-informed research and resilience programming

Abstract

Circa 2010 to 2015, Karachi Pakistan: the weaponization of visual narrative (wallchalking/graffiti) exacerbated ethno-political tension, inter-and-intra religious conflict and provided non-state actors and extremists groups with a canvas to propagate messages of hate, suspicion and intolerance. Research suggests that political stabilization efforts and resilience programs yield positive results when dovetailed with a counter narrative communications campaign.

This study aims to determine the social and political impact of the Walls of Peace public space counter narrative campaign. Given that professional artist led this resilience activity; what were their methods of research, how did they operationalize and execute an activity on such a large scale? How did the public respond to their intervention?

Based on the social, political and geographical complexity of the activity, literature was reviewed, theories were assessed, interviews were conducted and data was gathered. The findings indicate that artists’ methods of research are rigorous, iterative, immersive, social and communal, however their practice is unfamiliar to development practitioners and policy makers. Also, due to the counter visual narrative intervention a physical, political, and emotional change did occur throughout Karachi. According to survey responses a positive shift occurred in Karachiites towards hope and pride. Further research is needed to identify co-creation opportunities amongst artists and development practitioners to address broader salient development issues.