INTERNATIONAL ART AND YOUTH INITIATIVE

profile · synthesized from sources

Peekok YouthARTS Initiatives (PYI) is a nonprofit youth arts organization founded in 2007 that provides arts education and creative development programs for children and youth in Nigeria and across Africa. The organization offers training in theater, music, dance, and visual arts, with a mission to foster self-expression, reduce juvenile delinquency, and create vocational pathways through the arts. PYI engages approximately 500 youths weekly and supports international cultural exchange through global arts festivals and competitions.

named programs · 6 · from sources

what they call their work

Arts Olympiad (2026)

International art competition for children aged 8 to 12 focused on creativity, peace, and self-expression through themed artwork

Color Art Festival

Annual international fine arts competition for children and youth aged 6 to 17, promoting diversity, equality, and human rights through art

Jagunlabí (We birthed a Warrior)

Original theatrical production developed and performed by PYI youth, showcased at international venues such as the ACT Theatre in Kingston, UK

Performance Series

Provides platforms for youth to perform on local and international stages, including festivals in the UK, US, Canada, and Sweden

Residency Programme

Brings professional artists into schools and communities to work directly with youth, offering mentorship and creative development opportunities

World Children's Festival

Triennial event on the National Mall in Washington, DC, where winners of the Arts Olympiad collaborate on art projects and performances

activities · 3 groups

what they do

Arts & Cultural Heritage Programming 4 activities
- International Festival of Fine Arts COLOR ART
  
  Organizes the annual International Festival of Fine Arts COLOR ART under UNESCO patronage, which has been running since 1991, providing a global platform for youth engagement in the arts.
- International Theatrical Productions and Cultural Performances
  
  Produces and stages original dramatic performances such as "Jagunlabi," integrating music, dance, and drama to promote African cultural values. These productions are presented internationally, including at the Fuse International 2024 festival in the UK, continuing a 12-year performance history.
- Youth Participation in Global Arts Competitions and Festivals
  
  Supports and facilitates student participation in international arts competitions and festivals in the U.S., UK, Europe, Asia, Sweden, Canada, and the UK, resulting in global recognition and performance opportunities by invitation.
- Youth Residency and Performance Training Program
  
  Offers professional training and weekly rehearsals for youth performers in Lagos, Nigeria, through a residency program that prepares them for local, national, and international performances, including participation in global arts festivals and competitions.
Youth Creative & Skill-Building Workshops 1 activity
- Arts Education and Skills Development for Youth
  
  Provides structured art instruction through weekly classes and workshops, including drawing, painting, portraiture, and abstract art, for youth with prior experience to build portfolios for further studies. Classes are held on Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
Uncategorized 1 activity
- Community Arts Programming and Partnerships
  
  Hosts community-based arts programming and partners with external organizations, such as Seein’ is Believin’, to deliver arts initiatives for youth development.

relationships · 12

who they work with

British Council Nigeria Partner — Co-organized the Top-12 Youthwork Projects seminar that led to the founding of the organization.
Creative Connections Partner — Collaborated with Peekok Youtharts Initiatives in Lagos, Nigeria.
Goleniowski Dom Kultury Partner — Partner organization for the Color Art Festival, facilitating youth participation in the international competition.
International Child Art Foundation Partner — Collaborates to promote participation in the Arts Olympiad and World Children's Festival.
International Child Art Foundation Partner — Participates in the Arts Olympiad, an international art competition organized by the International Child Art Foundation.
Polish National Commission for UNESCO Government — Provides honorary patronage for the Color Art Festival, aligning with UNESCO's cultural mission.
Seein’ is Believin’ Partner — Collaborated with Seein’ is Believin’ to host programming.
The ACT Theatre Partner — Venue partner hosting the performance of "Jagunlabi" at the Fuse International 2024 festival.
UNESCO Partner — Provides patronage for the International Festival of Fine Arts COLOR ART.
UNICEF Poland Government — Provides honorary patronage for the Color Art Festival, supporting children's artistic expression.
Youngstars Foundation Int’l Partner — Co-organized the Top-12 Youthwork Projects seminar that led to the founding of the organization.
participating schools Partner — Hosts after-school classes for the performing arts program.