This innovative summer school explores the arts as both a manifestation of human rights and a powerful tool for advancing human rights and social justice. The program brings together students, scholars and practitioners from around the world to engage in interdisciplinary learning and creative practice.
The program was led by an academic committee composed of Professor Penelope Simons (HRREC Director, uOttawa), Professor Ramón Blanco-Barrera (Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Seville, and HRREC Fellow), María del Mar García Jiménez (Assistant Professor, University of Seville), and Viviana Fernandez (HRREC Associate Director, uOttawa).
The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from representatives of the University of Seville, including Roberto Galán Vioque, Secretary General; Alejandra Pacheco Costa, Director of the Development Cooperation Office; Daniel Bilbao Peña, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts; and Rubén López, Ulysseus European University Project Manager. Participants were also welcomed by HRREC Director Penelope Simons and Ramón Blanco-Barrera, Director of the Microcredential Program.
The program also included a field trip to Écija, where participants visited the Municipal Historical Museum and explored the exhibition Art Reflections for Social Change, featuring works created during the program’s inaugural 2025 edition. During the visit, participants met Silvia Heredia Martín, Mayor of Écija, and attended a session on art and peace-making led by María José Lera of the University of Seville. The session included presentations and performances by selected participants.
Throughout the week, several HRREC members contributed as instructors, including Oonagh Fitzgerald, Omid Milani, Jane Bailey, Suzanne Bouclin and Van Armenian. Their sessions explored diverse themes related to the intersection of art, human rights and social justice. We also gratefully recognize the support of Associate Director Viviana Fernandez and Communication Specialist Caroline Faucher.
The 2026 cohort brought together participants from Spain, Canada, Argentina, Peru, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Greece, Guatemala, Iran, Colombia, Chile and Belgium. HRREC was also pleased to welcome University of Ottawa student Brynn Duggan (Conflict Studies and Human Rights) and alumna Nazlie Djama (Bachelor of Science) among the participants.
The successful conclusion of the second edition highlighted the strength of the partnership between HRREC and the University of Seville and reinforced the growing international interest in the role of the arts in promoting human rights and social justice. Organizers expressed their gratitude to all instructors, contributors and participants and look forward to the program’s next edition.