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The InterRelations Collaborative, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization established in 2001 to promote intergroup relations among rapidly diversifying populations in New York City.  The IRC uses the power of the arts (music arts, visual arts, storytelling arts) to build intergroup understanding in immigrant and multi-ethnic communities across New York City. 

The IRC conducted nationwide research documenting community-building models in major US gateway cities (e.g. New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco).  IRC's research models included a cross-cultural arts model which used the power of art and stories to build cross-cultural understanding.  Distinguished Professor of Art at the University of California, San Diego, Faith Ringgold, and New York City artist, Lisa Yi, collaborated on a “story quilt," a genre of art originated by Ms. Ringgold.  The Ringgold-Yi cross-cultural story quilt focused on aspects of their respective cultural experiences.  In Yi’s words: “We created a bridge of time and place.” 

Following tragic events on September 11, 2001, the Collaborative brought together young people from across the City to document their experiences on 9/11.  In their own words and images, they produced an empowering book titled What Will You Do For Peace? Impact of 9/11 on New York City Youth.  Their powerful artwork caught the eye of celebrated New York City artist, Faith Ringgold, and they were honored to publish their book in association with her. 

In her introduction to the "Peace Book," Ms. Ringgold writes: "When I was shown the layout for a new book titled What Will You Do For Peace? my heart filled with joy. What a beautiful collaboration, a perfect response from New York City's young people, aged 11 to 19. This gracefully poetic account of that frightening day in their young lives is a gift of sensitivity and love. I was amazed at their generosity of spirit. I found the paintings and expressive verse in the book deeply inspiring."

Peace Book authors got their voices out sending their message of hope and healing across the city.  The Peace Book now resides in more than 100 branches of the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Borough Public Library.  The Peace Book is available at Amazon.com

Peace Story Quilt in the Grossman Gallery at The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

In 2006, the IRC commissioned Faith Ringgold to design a Peace Story Quilt inspired by the Peace Book which was constructed in collaboration with students, ages 8-19.  During a series of master classes, Ms. Ringgold mentored Peace QuiltMakers on how to transfer their 9/11 images from hardcopy to canvas.  The Peace Story Quilt, composed of three panels, each measuring 72”x 50,” was completed for the 5^th anniversary of 9/11.  The Peace Story Quilt was exhibited at ACA Galleries in Lower Manhattan and launched on its journey to spread young New Yorkers’ call to peace and understanding across their “global city.”  The Peace Story Quilt will also bring its healing message to other cities directly affected by tragic events on 9/11.  The Peace Quilt will then travel across country to educational venues on its peace-building journey coast to coast.  The Peace Story Quilt's itinerary is posted below.

IRC’s Peace QuiltMaking Model is now being replicated at community agencies and public schools in increasingly multicultural classrooms across New York City.  The Peace Quilt Workshops are also being conducted for pre- and in-service teachers at college, graduate and professional levels.  Our Peace Quilt Workshops are conducted in collaboration with Patricia Maunder, Director of Stories Through Art.

In 2008, the Peace Book was adapted to visual format to capture the attention of young audiences and set an empowering tone for cross-cultural dialogues.  The Peace Video was produced in collaboration with Rafaela Capellan of Areyto Productions.  The soaring youth anthem featured on the audio-track was composed by award-winning composer, Jim Papoulis of Sounds of A Better World, and performed by The Young People's Chorus of New York City.

During 2009, Jim Papoulis will hold master classes during which young PeaceMakers will compose both lyrics and score for their own Peace Songs.  The peace songs will be professionally recorded in a state-of-the art music studio and performed "live" in concert at celebratory community-based and school-based community-building events.

During IRC's post-9/11 PeaceMaking Initiative, the IRC has used New Yorkers' shared public history to facilitate cross-cultural exchange.  These arts-driven programs have carved out creative space in which young New Yorkers can come together, interact, and discover the common ground that they share.

The Peace Quilt's Itinerary

If you would like to display IRC's Peace Story Quilt for educational purposes at your agency, school, university or museum, please Contact Us

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