International Art Collaboration Project

Let’s create Icons of Peace and Equality around the world made by young people.

In a time of widespread unrest, students have created portraits that represent the ethical, the good, the positive, and the unwaveringly tolerant, reminding all who see the works that people can indeed still make a difference. Academically, it is important to demonstrate to students that art does not exist in isolation but draws from all disciplines and subject matter throughout their curriculum.

We are looking for art teachers and Schools around the world to collaborate and to produce more Icons of their choosing. The aim is to showcase all the works online, and the eventual goal is to host exhibitions of the Icons at various venues around the world.

Jilly Hillier, professional adviser for UNICEF UK Rights Respecting Schools Award South West, who has supported the work carried out internationally by the students, said: “It’s great when global learning breaks out from geography, history and citizenship as it has the potential to enrich learning on a much bigger scale.”

We had schools in Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Russia, South Africa, and the U.S.A..

By having students work together to produce each portrait, they have, albeit symbolically, been participating in something positive and progressive, reaffirming the fact that people with a shared view can all be actively involved in positive change. 

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to help change the world.

Nelson Mandela

“It’s great when global learning breaks out from geography, history and citizenship as it has the potential to enrich learning on a much bigger scale.”

Jilly Hillier, professional adviser for UNICEF UK