The launch of Making Peaceful Change, an arts‑based peacebuilding initiative led by The Playhouse, took place on Wednesday afternoon at The Playhouse. The event brought together community leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and young people for an afternoon focused on learning, dialogue, and creative reflection.

The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU programmes Body, (SEUPB).

A spokesperson for the Playhouse said the event opened with a warm welcome from Kevin Murphy, CEO of The Playhouse, who outlined The Playhouse's commitment to arts-led, trauma-informed peacebuilding across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

The event was attended by Junior Minister Joanne Bunting and Junior Minister Aisling Reilly, and Gobhnait Swift from the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) of Ireland, reflecting strong cross-border and cross-departmental support for the project.

Junior Minister Bunting said: “It is really encouraging to see a good relations arts-led programme that will bring people together to connect and work through shared challenges. Using the arts as a catalyst for social change offers valuable opportunities to build empathy, reduce division, and foster shared understanding.

“I am really pleased The Executive Office has been able to provide match funding for this project, which will provide opportunities to over 3,000 people.

“Thank you to The Playhouse team and all the partners involved in the development of this project.”

Junior Minister Reilly said: “I am delighted to welcome the launch of the Making Peaceful Change project. We know the arts can heal, connect and inspire communities and that is exactly what this project aims to do.

“The Executive Office is proud to provide match funding for this £1.7million project, which will provide opportunities to open conversations on reconciliation, diversity and inclusion, and ultimately improve good relations.

“I look forward to seeing how this initiative contributes positively to bringing people together and building lasting peace.”

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, welcomed the announcement.

Minister Calleary said: “I would like to express my deep gratitude to all individuals involved in the promotion of the Making Peaceful Change project. It is a great source of joy for me that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in collaboration with the Special EU Programmes Body and The Executive Office in Northern Ireland, will continue to provide their support for this outstanding initiative.”

Minister Buttimer added: "Through the provision of this crucial funding, the Building Positive Relations Investment Area seeks to cultivate positive relationships marked by respect. It acknowledges cultural diversity, and individuals are empowered to live, learn, and engage with each other, without prejudice, hatred, and intolerance."

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “A society at peace is essential for socio-economic development and prosperity. Opportunities for interventions between communities are designed to enable and promote discussion and build mutual respect and trust.

“While we have come such a long way, our society still faces significant challenges. PEACEPLUS will continue to support positive change and empower communities through initiatives which support positive change and create a legacy of friendship and understanding.”

The programme also featured a special performance from local actor Rachel Harley with a monologue specially created for the event. The monologue was developed as part of dramaturgical work with service users past and present of Foyle Women's Aid.