All Africa Dance Festival on Peace and Human Understanding

Many African countries have been affected by conflicts leading to the deaths of about seven million people in the last fifteen years. Armed Conflicts in Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Liberia, Angola and Somalia have been the most publicized at the international levels. Inter-ethnic conflicts, however are more prevalent.

In December 2009, Purple Images issued a call to artist-peace builders across Africa to take leadership in using dance for peace building. Over five days, 50 dance groups from across Africa gathered in Nairobi to attend a conference which promoted how to use dance as a tool for social change and reconciliation. A two day dance festival, covered by African media, showed the depth and range of talented peace makers across Africa.

Highlight:

The Festival launched a global Dance-for-Peace Network with members from the 20 countries which participated in the festival.