On May 12, 2011, over 350 attendees gathered for the unveiling of the PEACE mural, the first mural under the collaborative initiative of the Barat Foundation Youth Initiative and the Newark Interfaith Coalition for Hope and Peace, “Messages through Murals”. The PEACE mural was painted by over 500 students at 14 Newark Schools as a welcome to the highly anticipated arrival of His Holiness, the XIVth Dalai Lama, Nobel Laureates Dr. Shirin Ebadi and Jody Williams, and the Newark Peace Education Summit.

“The Peace Summit was motivating,” says Chandri Barat, Executive Director of the Barat Foundation Youth Initiative. “Now that the Summit is over, the PEACE mural remains as a permanent 4-story statement testifying to the power of art as a universal communicator.”

The mural is the largest community-based public artwork in the history of the City of Newark, NJ, and is placed on the prominent Broad Street façade of the Integrity House. Over the course of 45 days, 500 children, and 14 schools worked together with the mural’s designer, Dan Fenelon, mural facilitator Sue Daly, and a team of artists in residence provided by the Barat Foundation Youth Initiative to complete the PEACE mural.

The PEACE Mural was made possible by: MCJ Amelior Amelior Foundation, Nicholson Foundation, Horzon Blue Cross, Genova Burns and Giantomasi, Dr. Clement Price, Congregation B’nai Jeshrun of Short Hills, Episcopal Diocese of Newark, Linda & John Levi, Integrity House,, Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, Team Academy, St. Benedict’s Academy, and North 13th Street Essex County Vocational High School.

The Integrity Choir

Mayor Cory Booker, the City of Newark, the Integrity House Choir, the Newark Interfaith Coalition, and the Sub-Urban Dance Group (a collaboration of Teaneck and Arts High Schools) participated in the unveiling festivities. The mural will be a mainstay in the City of Newark and will continue to further promote the mission of the Newark Peace Education Summit, the Barat Foundation Youth Initiative, and the Newark Interfaith Coalition for Hope and Peace.

Rabbi Matthew Gewirtz of Newark Interfaith Coalition with W Deen Shareef and Terry Brewin

About The Newark Interfaith Coalition for Hope and Peace
The Newark Interfaith Coalition for Hope and Peace is a group of Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders committed to effectively mobilize resources in Newark, New Jersey. We work collaboratively with city officials and other organizations in Newark and in the surrounding communities to lead people away from the paths of despair and violence toward the paths of hope and peace. www.newarkinterfaith.org

About The Newark Peace Education Summit
The Newark Peace Education Summit is a three-day conference focusing on peacemaking practices from around the world. It features panels and workshops with His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Somaly Mam, Nobel Laureates and peace advocates from a wide cross section of cultures, disciplines and perspectives. The summit will explore the programs, policies, and methods used by communities to establish peace, why and how they work, and how to replicate them in America and around the world. www.newarkpeace.org