Working in Miami’s middle and high schools, artists motivate students in the creation of artworks relevant to the students’ cultural and environmental experiences. After intensive dialogue and brainstorming sessions in the classroom and exposure to and information on public art through Miami-Dade Art in Public Places programming, students create artworks that communicate powerful messages on subjects such as diversity, respect, and community pride.

Master Peace is based on the belief that through collaborative art projects, youth can learn to value diversity, resolve conflicts, strengthen self-esteem, increase respect for others, and create pro-social bonds.

Painted murals, collaged works, and tile mosaics permanently enhance school walls, carrying with them messages about diversity, respect, and community pride. An interdisciplinary approach is encouraged: language arts students write essays that are incorporated into the artworks, dance students perform at dedication ceremonies, and media centers document the projects on video. Dedication ceremonies at the completion of each project celebrate the process and involve the entire student body and immediate community. The future vision for Master Peace involves expanding the number of schools and teachers.flower-purp.gif (2915 bytes)

This art form has two important features: The process and the product. The process is the coming together of students to develop a vision and work collectively to achieve a common goal, their art. The merit of this educational process is that everyone is valued for their contribution (diversity is rewarded) and success is based on the ability of the participants to support one another in reaching their goal. This process also leaves a product–the mural– that serves as a conspicuous reminder that by working jointly challenges can be met. The mural also creates awareness, leaving behind a pro-social message of youth, by youth, for youth.

Xavier Cortada, who has worked with diverse community groups across four continents to create pro-social art projects, serves as Artistic Director of Master Peace. He developed Master Peace as a tool to impact students, teachers and adminstrators to make positive changes within schools and communities. During its inaugural year, he directed Master Peace in twelve Miami-Dade County schools.

Master Peace is a collaborative effort of Regis House, Inc., a non-profit community-based center helping children and families, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Division of Life Skills, and Miami-Dade Art in Public Places.