Reconciliation: The Power of the Arts & Creative Approaches

At the end of massive conflicts, what do communities and individuals need to do in order to remember and heal? This presentation illustrates the power of artistic engagement when dealing with post-conflict justice and reconciliatory practices among victims and perpetrators and their descendants. Krondorfer will also discuss his reconciliatory work with Israelis, Palestinians, and Germans.

Björn Krondorfer is Director of the Martin-Springer Institute and Professor of Religious Studies at Northern Arizona University. He also holds a visiting position as Faculty Affiliate at the University of the Free State, South Africa, and has served as a guest professor at the Freie University Berlin, Germany. His expertise lies in religion, gender and culture, and (post) Holocaust and reconciliation studies. He explores the connections between memory, restorative justice, and social/moral repair. Putting his scholarship to work, he facilitates intercultural encounters both at home and abroad and collaborates with visual artist Karen Baldner on art installations.