“The Gernika Statement on Art and Peace”

Believing that it is the highest goal of human creativity to work to shape the world in a positive way, where peace always ascends over war, generosity transcends meanness of spirit and understanding eclipses misunderstanding; we, the undersigned artists and related professionals who have gathered at the international Conference on Art and Peace in the symbolic city of Gernika, and those others of us who have signed in support of these aims, feel it is our responsibility and honour to express our human -artistic, intellectual and spiritual- resources to help ourselves and others. Further, we believe that the expression of art helps humankind achieve a better understanding of its potential and therefore contribute towards a peaceful development of humanity.

We recognise that there are those in our professions and in society who feel art and life are independent entities and, while honouring and respecting the views of others, we ourselves feel fully and passionately that the significant direction for the 21st Century Art will reflect humanist ideals which will significantly contribute to reconciliation, peace and increased human understanding of all peoples and all cultures. We also express our support to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

We are clear in our understanding that art is the expression of significant ideas achieved through forms to be understood and embraced by all.

Art is a practice that achieves its best when it helps lead humanity to greater understanding. We recognise that there are many levels, as there are in all other disciplines such as science, medicine, humanities, politics,... being makers, constructors and builders -rather than destroyers of things- we realize that peace is not one of many options but, that peace is truly the only sustaining option.

We know that significant art must equally do two things; express an acknowledgement of the possibilities of the human dimension; and do so in an appropiate and visual language that can take us into a positive reflection about peace.

It is important to state that such work need not be limited to a particular medium or style; that ideas can be realised in paint, print and 3 dimensional media as well as installations, sound sculptures, text based work, performance art, computer imagery, video, concrete poetry and other media including those yet to be explored by artists. We believe and support an art which expresses our cultural diversity.

We recognize our indebtedness to thousands of people -historical and contemporary- artists, philosophers, poets, play writers, novelists, filmmakers, storytellers and workers for humanist principles and understanding between people worldwide. The responsibility, and the honour to be part of this continuum and the challenge to contribute to the celebration of life, humankind and to peace is here for all of us.