The Possibility of Light

Thursday 23rd May 2019 – By Edna Fernandes, Co-Founder

Our Ambassador, the acclaimed war artist Arabella Dorman spoke movingly at The United Grand Lodge of England in London this month on war, its human impact and the hope that resides in the human spirit even in the midst of the worst situations.

The Anthony Wilson Memorial Talk, in memory of the late President of the Board of General Purposes of the Freemasons, took the audience on a journey of her experiences and work in Iraq and Afghanistan as an embedded war artist, as well as her more recent efforts helping refugees in Lesvos, Calais and Palestine, as well as Syria and Lebanon. Arabella’s work has been profiled across national and international television, radio and print and many know her inspiring installation Flight and Suspended, shown at St James’s, Piccadilly and Canterbury and Lincoln Cathedrals.

Beyond Conflict was honoured to be part of the event, which was in aid of our charity and Age Unlimited. The evening on 16th May 2019 raised several thousands of pounds for us.

Arabella spoke moving of why she has dedicated her life to portraying the human cost of war and how out of the despair and horror, she is always amazed by the capacity of ordinary people to find hope and move towards the light of the future. The lecture was a resounding success with many in the audience saying that it had afforded them rare and important insights. Beyond Conflict would like to thank Arabella for her support.

Beyond Conflict Co-Founder Edna Fernandes said of the event:

“Beyond Conflict is honoured to be supported by Arabella and we wish to thank her for being part of our efforts to bring mental health support to the children and widows of Iraq, whose lives have been shattered by war and the terrorism of ISIS.

“We would also like to thank Dr David Staples, CEO of the Grand Lodge of England, and Peter Lowndes, Pro Grand Master, for the donation to Beyond Conflict from the Untied Grand Lodge of England. The monies raised tonight will help fund our first project in Iraq.”