The Sadat Arts for Justice and Peace Program originated from the longstanding Sadat Art for Justice and Peace Program. Started in 1998, the Sadat Art for Justice and Peace program is a collaboration between the Anwar Sadat Chair for Peace and Development and the Department of Art at the University of Maryland. The program coincided with former President Jimmy Carter’s Sadat Lecture for Peace and grew into an annual program based on a timely theme related to justice and peace and the ongoing research projects of the Sadat Chair. 

“My thought in initiating the program a quarter century ago was that issues of justice and peace touch our entire university community – indeed our entire society– and not just those of us who are social scientists. Hearing the voices of artists, with their powerful way of communicating ideas, adds to the conversation across our campus and beyond,” said Professor Shibley Telhami, Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace and Development 

The Sadat Arts for Justice and Peace Program asks students affiliated with the School of Music, the Department of English, and the Department of Art, to think critically about a theme related to critical issues facing the world and society today and produce pieces that not only are inspired by but further engage in the discussion of these themes. 

“It is an honor to partner with the Anwar Sadat Chair in the expansion of this year’s competition, and I look forward to our continued collaboration. The inclusion this year of poetry and music provides a fitting opportunity for our students to engage their artistry in ways that provide a crucial framing for our entire community of these ever complicated issues,” said Professor Craig Kier, Director of Arts for All and Associate Professor in the School of Music.

Cick here to view the full Sadat Art Collection

2025 Arts Program Winners