What are works of creative expression?

Short stories, essays, and poetry, have always been powerful tools to challenge societal norms and inspire change. One inspiring young literary artist is Amanda Gorman, a young poet and activist who uses her poetry to address themes of unity, resilience, and hope. Her performance of “The Hill We Climb” at the 2021 U.S. Presidential Inauguration sparked conversations about social justice and change. Amanda’s work continues to inspire young people today to use their voices and creativity to make a difference.

Graphic design, drawings, paintings, photography, and memes have the power to convey complex ideas, emotions, and experiences that transcend language and cultural barriers. One inspiring young visual artist is Autumn Peltier, a young Indigenous water activist from Canada. She uses her art, including powerful drawings and paintings, to raise awareness about water rights and environmental issues affecting Indigenous communities. Autumn’s artwork often highlights the sacredness of water and the urgent need to protect it, inspiring many young people to join the fight for environmental justice.

Dance, theater, and music are great ways to bring people together and start important conversations, especially during conflicts or disagreements. One inspiring young performing artist is Keedron Bryant, a teenager who gained widespread attention with his powerful song “I Just Wanna Live.” Although the song primarily addresses racial injustice, Keedron’s music also promotes messages of peace and compassion. His heartfelt performances have resonated with many, encouraging listeners to reflect on the importance of peace and understanding in our communities.

PSAs, films, and videos—are amazing tools for promoting peace because they can reach lots of people quickly and share powerful emotions and ideas. One inspiring young filmmaker is Steven Hoffen, a 14-year-old who created the documentary “Growing Peace in the Middle East.” His film highlights the work of Sindyanna of Galilee, a farm in Israel where Arab and Jewish women collaborate to grow produce using hydroponic methods. Through his documentary, Steven aims to show how cooperation and shared goals can bridge cultural divides and promote peace in the region.

Robotics, digital design, and games—are newer forms of interactive art that encourage collaboration and problem-solving, two critical components of peacebuilding. One inspiring young STEM artist is Gitanjali Rao, an 18-year-old inventor and author from the United States. Although she is known for her work in various fields, she has also used digital design and robotics to promote peace and understanding. Gitanjali developed an app called “Kindly,” which uses artificial intelligence to detect and prevent cyberbullying.