CITYarts 50 States of Peace initiative was envisioned as a uniting response to the challenges and divisions that Americans face today. We encouraging youth from across the US think about and create art reflecting their visions of peace. Artworks from this program can be viewed in our online exhibition.
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?”
At its core, the project aims to engage students in a discussion about the importance of peace and unity and translate their ideas into artwork. Students create artworks that reflect their visions of peace to share with the world.
Read below to learn more and email pieces4peace@cityarts.org with questions or to get involved!
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
Youth from around the 50 States participate in one-hour-long workshops in which they create 6x6 inch artworks that answer the question: “What does peace look like to me?” =CITYarts has received over 12,000 artworks from over 1,400 schools and community organizations in 122 countries. 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!