CITYarts’ 50 States of Peace initiative was envisioned as a uniting response to the challenges and divisions that Americans face today. Our program encourages youth from across the US to create art that reflects their visions of peace and community building. Artworks from this program can be viewed in our online exhibition.
In 2026 we will be partnering with youth, schools, and community in Washington DC to create a National Peace Wall that brings together artworks from all 50 states in celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary!
The National Peace Wall in D.C. will be a permanent mosaic consisting of 250 youth-created artworks (five from each state) and 250 quotes of influential figures. Once completed, it will be approximately 10 feet tall by 80 feet wide.
Interested in partnering with CITYarts? Contact us!
CITYarts 50 States of Peace consists of five parts and is recommended for youth aged 12-20.
You can do one of the steps or all of them!
1. Pieces for Peace Workshop
The simple process starts with a 45- to 60-minute Pieces for Peace workshop in which a teacher will guide students in creating 6x6 inch artworks that answer the question: “What does peace look like to me?” CITYarts has held organized workshops in 26 states so far, and through them has created over 3,000 Pieces for Peace artworks, as well as completed 6 Peace Wall murals across the country. Now, we are going national to unite for peace!
2. 50 States of Peace Online Exhibition
Mail or email your Pieces for Peace artworks to CITYarts and we will add them to the CITYarts Online Exhibition, joining over 12,000 Pieces for Peace by youth from around the USA and the world!
Congratulations! After completing Parts One and Two, you are officially a part of CITYarts’ 50 States of Peace Initiative.
The next 3 parts are optional — we hope you’ll join us in these opportunities!
3. PeacePals
Youth who have created an artwork can explore our Online Exhibition and exchange their visions of peace with another youth participant through our PeacePals Initiative, bringing them into contact and dialogue with each other through the creation of art.
4. Traveling Exhibition
You may host CITYarts’ Traveling Exhibition of over 100 Pieces for Peace artworks by youth from around the world. Your students’ Pieces for Peace artworks will hang alongside our exhibition. Invite the community to come and celebrate the visions of peace.
5. Peace Wall
CITYarts can help you find a professional artist to collaborate with your school, other schools in your city, and community members to design and paint a mural. The ideas formulated in the CITYarts Pieces for Peace workshop will inspire the Peace Wall — a permanent mural to be painted on a selected wall in the community.
Email pieces4peace@cityarts.org for more information or to get involved!