Professor Jolyon Mitchell delivered his inaugural lecture entitled "How can weapons be turned into art? How can swords be transformed into ploughshares?" on 15 September 2011. For some scholars and practitioners involved in building peace, the phrase 'Swords into Ploughshares' is an overused cliché that has lost its original force.

In this illustrated public lecture, Professor Jolyon Mitchell investigates how this ancient text is being brought to life in many different parts of the world through artistic projects promoting peace. He analyses how various artists are transforming weapons that used to kill into tools for farming, useful objects or symbols of peace. He explores how different museums, educators and film-makers are now using these pieces to envision peace.

Professor Mitchell considers the significance of these expressions of 'Swords into Ploughshares' in local, national and international peacebuilding.

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