Mission Statement
The Min-On Research Institute was established
on October 18, 2014 in order
To pursue a multidisciplinary investigation of
the potential application of music in peacebuilding activities
Long-term Goal
Through multi-faceted and interdisciplinary research, in collaboration with scholars, educators, artists and
peace activists around the globe, we will contribute to the intellectual foundations necessary to enhance the effective
application of music in supporting peacebuilding activities.
We anticipate four primary components of the work towards this goal
- Developing new theories and approaches
- Supporting the development of evaluation tools for existing approaches
- Offering resources for individuals and organizations engaged in or wishing to be engaged in peacebuilding work
- Facilitating the emergence of new activities
A note on peacebuilding
We draw on the idea of the “lifecycle of conflicts” as developed by Ramsbotham, Woodhouse, and Miall (2011).*- In the pre-violence window, we focus our research on peacebuilding: on the enhancement of the culture of peace, and on the strengthening of the potential to transform conflicts without violence
- In the post-violence window, we focus on research supporting the rebuilding of communities after violence has subsided.
- In addition, we take note of the ways music is applied in peacekeeping and peacemaking activities, including during violent phases.
Short-term Objectives
During our initial phase of operation (2015-2016), we focus on three objectives:- Compiling a critical review of the current scholarly literature in the field of music and peacebuilding
- Conducting a survey of current practices in the field, locating program evaluations where available
- Pursuing and actively contributing to our individual areas of research related to music and peacebuilding
