Abstract

This method of teacher-as-researcher, or action research, grew out of a personal need to explore the issues of how art was being used in Israel as a means to connect with the Arab-Israeli and Palestinian population. The research began by interviewing students, teachers and the director of the photography project at Givat Haviva, Israel. The project titled "Through Others' Eyes" brought together 20 Arab-Israeli and 20 Jewish youth for a period of one year. The project involved taking photos of each other's homes, families and lifestyle. The aim was to help the students move away from stereotyping and prejudices and replace them with friendship. Could a project such as this achieve the desired end result? Would the high school students be able to connect with one another through the photography project? Would the process be enough to build new perceptions and help the participants begin to see from another perspective? The Givat Haviva research encouraged me to participate in my own process of art, dialogue and personal narrative within a multi-faith, Arab, Palestinian and Jewish, dialogue group in Montreal, Canada. In bringing both projects together, I reflect upon the process and conclude with the general findings from this interactive teaching/learning experience.