On Sunday, September 21, 2014 Children’s Peace Theatre will be celebrating International Day of Peace with the launch of their new Youth Arts Space and Shared Platform Initiative.

The Youth Arts Space (YAS) is an accessible multi-use space where youth can develop positive empowering networks and access to the arts. In collaboration with various community partners, the Shared Platform Initiative will give youth access to mentorship opportunities while providing holistic and administrative support for Youth-led Social Change projects.

With support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, Children's Peace Theatre is excited for the launch of YAS as part of their Shared Platform Initiative. YAS will allow youth living in the Taylor Massey Community to share their love for art, culture and ancestral stories with like-minded individuals in an inclusive space dedicated to community building.

The United Nations declared September 21, 1981 as the first International Day of Peace. Since its inception, it has been celebrated across the world through festivals and conventions, and a moment of silence takes place at noon sharp in every time zone to send peace to others with the same vision.

The event at Children’s Peace Theatre starts at 4 p.m. and will feature a Children’s Village and Soko (community marketplace) as well as performances by local artists P-Air, LAL and d’bi.young anitafrika. In addition, Children’s Peace Theatre community partners, funders and supporters, as well as local government representatives will be invited to attend the event. The event’s closing ceremony will include Sunset Service in collaboration with the Harriet Tubman Community Organization.

The event takes place Sunday, September 21, 2014 between 4 – 8 p.m. at Children’s Peace Theatre, located at 305 Dawes Rd, Toronto, ON M4B 2E2.