Art as a Diplomatic Force: Malaysia’s LXX Gallery Partners with Leaders for Peace on Global Initiative

TL;DR:

• Malaysia’s Lin Xiang Xiong (LXX) Art Gallery in Penang has forged a landmark partnership with Leaders for Peace, a Paris-based foundation chaired by former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.
• The collaboration, titled “Presenting Peace Through Art,” aims to elevate art from cultural enrichment to an active, non-verbal diplomatic force for peace and reconciliation.
• The initiative includes launching a Peace Prize (2026), creating a Joint Multicultural Artwork, and developing academic programs to teach future leaders to use art for cross-cultural dialogue.
• Professor Lin Xiang Xiong, founder of LXX Gallery, has been appointed to the Board of Leaders for Peace, anchoring Eastern art’s voice in the global conversation on peace.

Introduction: A New Paradigm for Global Diplomacy

In a remarkable convergence of the artistic and political spheres, the Lin Xiang Xiong (LXX) Art Gallery in Penang, Malaysia, has announced a significant collaboration with Leaders for Peace, a prestigious Paris-based foundation supported by over 40 influential global figures, including former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. This strategic alliance culminates in the global programme “Presenting Peace Through Art,” an initiative that fundamentally repositions artistic expression as a potent, diplomatic force for dialogue, reconciliation, and education on the global stage.

Announced on 23 September 2025, the partnership underscores a shared conviction that peace must be cultivated not solely through negotiation and policy, but through the creative power of soft culture. As a universal language transcending linguistic and political barriers, art possesses the unique capacity to touch hearts and minds, thereby fostering profound understanding and global harmony. This endeavour significantly elevates Malaysia’s role as a platform for cultural diplomacy and international conflict-settlement advocacy.

Elevating Art to an Instrument of Diplomacy

The very essence of the collaboration is the fusion of artistic influence with the geopolitical weight of Leaders for Peace. Jean-Pierre Raffarin, the foundation’s Honorary Chairman, articulated this vision, stating that peace “begins in the hearts and minds of people.” He affirmed that this partnership demonstrates art is not a passive mirror of society, but an active instrument of diplomacy, shaping the shared global destiny as powerfully as international treaties.

In recognition of his long-standing dedication to cultural dialogue, Professor Lin Xiang Xiong, the founder of the LXX Art Gallery and a globally acclaimed artist, has been invited to join the Board of Leaders for Peace. This appointment is pivotal, as Professor Lin believes art can bridge cultures where words may fail, allowing Eastern art to join and enrich the global conversation on renewal and empathy.

Core Initiatives for Peace Proliferation

The multi-faceted global programme will introduce several key initiatives designed to materially merge artistic creation with tangible peace-building efforts:

• The Global Peace Prize (2026)

A central element of the initiative is the unveiling of a symbolic Peace Prize trophy. Conceived by acclaimed artist Myriam Agout, this sculpture is meticulously designed to embody the fragility, hope, and resilience inherent in the pursuit of peace, serving as a powerful, global emblem.

• Joint Multicultural Artwork

To visibly demonstrate international unity and collaboration, artists from diverse global backgrounds will co-create a single major artwork for peace. One version of this monumental work is destined to remain as a cornerstone exhibit at the LXX Gallery in Penang, while the other will embark on an international tour, propagating the message of unity worldwide.

• Academic and Educational Programs

The partnership is committed to developing the next generation of global citizens capable of wielding art as a tool for empathy. Courses such as “Art as Healing and Expression” and “Teaching Peace Without Words” will be established. These academic programs are designed to equip future leaders with practical skills to leverage artistic methods for resilience and cross-cultural dialogue, moving beyond traditional diplomatic curricula.

• Global Conferences

The initiative will convene international leaders, diplomats, and artists to participate in high-level conferences. These gatherings will provide a critical platform to debate and challenge divisions, using art as the central inspiration for unity and as a catalyst for new diplomatic strategies.

The Asian Cornerstone: LXX Art Gallery in Penang

The LXX Art Gallery, slated to open in Penang in mid-December 2025, will function as the indispensable Asian cornerstone of the entire initiative. The Gallery itself, dedicated to the ethos of “Art for Peace,” will anchor artistic thought and educational programmes in Southeast Asia. This establishment not only showcases the artistic legacy of Professor Lin but also signifies Malaysia’s role as a burgeoning hub for cultural diplomacy and intercultural understanding. Meanwhile, Leaders for Peace will deploy its extensive network of global policymakers, UN ambassadors, and cultural figures to ensure the initiative’s message resonates at the highest echelons of international advocacy, establishing a humanistic approach to diplomacy in an increasingly fragmented world.