On Friday and Saturday, 17 and 18 July, a small group of young people gathered at BAZA at the initiative of Središče zagovorništva (ISZ), brought together by their interest in creativity, learning, and exploring the world of street art. As one of this year's peace education campaigns in urban public spaces, the two-day mural painting workshop was organised within the PeaceACT – Peace Education in Practice: Creating a Sustainable Future project. Its aim was not only to introduce participants to different mural-painting techniques, but also to promote the values of peace education through collaborative creativity and artistic expression.
The workshop was facilitated by artist Nik Rupnik, who shared his creative journey of more than twenty years with the participants. He introduced them to the origins and evolution of graffiti, its spread from New York to Europe, and the development of street art into murals that today enrich public spaces around the world. Through his own story, he also demonstrated how a passion can grow into a profession, from creating his first graffiti pieces and working on commercial and film productions to his current role as a scenic artist and set painter at the Frankfurt Opera.
The first day focused on exploring the history of graffiti and street art while reflecting on the role murals can play in public spaces. Participants discussed how graffiti is not necessarily synonymous with vandalism or the destruction of public property, but can instead be a meaningful form of artistic expression that gives public spaces a unique identity, encourages dialogue, and communicates important social messages to the wider community.
Inspired by the values of the PeaceACT project, the participants then co-created the concept for their mural. They chose to highlight active listening, equality, understanding, cooperation, respect for diversity, and peaceful coexistence—values that form the foundation of positive peace and democratic societies. The design also incorporated symbols associated with peace education: musical notes representing the universal language that connects people, paper airplanes symbolising the exchange of ideas and messages, and the central message, “Be the Change,” reminding us that peace and positive change begin with each individual. Before painting the wall, the group prepared a sketch, readied the surface at the nearby skate park, and carefully transferred their design onto the mural.
The following day, participants put their newly acquired knowledge into practice. Through teamwork, creativity, and close collaboration, they created a mural that now brightens the skate park behind BAZA. Its true value lies not only in the finished artwork but also in the collaborative process behind it. Throughout the creation of the mural, participants experienced the importance of cooperation, patience, active listening, respect for different perspectives, and shared decision-making—all of which are essential elements of peace education.
The workshop demonstrated that creating a mural requires much more than simply knowing how to use a spray can. It involves planning, creativity, technical skills, communication, and teamwork. At the end of the workshop, many participants shared that they now see street art differently and have a deeper appreciation of the knowledge, dedication, and effort behind high-quality murals.
The workshop truly reflected what Nik emphasised several times: “Street art is, above all, community.” Collaboration was the defining element throughout the entire weekend. Through creating together, conversations, a shared lunch, and many smiles, new connections and friendships were formed.
Through this workshop, we wanted to show that peace education is much more than simply talking about peace. It is a way of collaborating, listening, and creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to contribute their ideas, be heard, and actively shape the community. In this process, street art became a bridge between creativity, self-expression, and the values of peace.
We sincerely thank Erika Kozjan (Erika Kozjan Photography) for capturing the creative energy, collaboration, and many memorable moments during the creation of the mural through her photography.
We would also like to sincerely thank BAZA, Center mladih Ljubljana, for providing the space and support that made the workshop possible, as well as for their collaboration in promoting the event.
The workshop was organised within the framework of the PeaceACT – Peace Education in Practice: Creating a Sustainable Future project, co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme.
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