Yoko Ono: IMAGINE PEACE
During a time of significant and destabilising conflict across the world affecting communities near and far, Baltic will re-stage Yoko Ono’s IMAGINE PEACE artwork on its building exterior with the artist’s blessing, from 19 September 2024.
Ono’s iconic IMAGINE PEACE billboard artwork has been seen across the globe as part of multiple street campaigns and gallery exhibitions. It was originally seen on Baltic’s exterior wall in 2008 as part of Baltic’s Yoko Ono exhibition Between the Sky and My Head. This 2024 installation of the banner coincides with International Day of Peace on Saturday 21 September, and encourages everyone -as Ono expresses- to “think peace, spread peace and act peace”.
Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, International Day of Peace (“Peace Day”) is observed around the world each year on 21 September. This provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.
International Day of Peace
On International Day of Peace (Saturday 21 September), Baltic will offer activities that encourage us all to reflect on conflict, peace and unity. This will include a chance to add messages and wishes for peace onto a trio of Peace Trees, take part in a creative writing workshop, design and build paper cranes and find out about local and international organisations that support peace, humanity, and togetherness.
At 12noon the gallery will observe a minute’s silence, to join the day’s global PeaceWave, a minute’s silence at 12noon in all time zones. The PeaceWave began on the first observation of the UN International Day of Peace- 21 September 1982 and has continued to spread throughout the world in multiple ways. The PeaceWave is for Humanity to use as a unitive act of Peace on Peace Day & every day.
Moment of Peace (Sunset Vigil)
On the evening of Saturday 21 September, after the gallery closes at 6pm a Moment of Peace will take place on Baltic Square. This will be a contemplative peaceful vigil with music until sunset. We hope that visitors will join us for a moment of time and space dedicated to peace, solidarity, and kinship.
Baltic / Gallery of Sanctuary
Baltic’s ongoing commitment as a Gallery of Sanctuary is to support and welcome visitors from all walks of life from the global majority, and our established and evolving connections to nearby neighbours and communities that seek sanctuary and refuge. We work with these communities and fellow organisations to offer events, resources, and support throughout the year. We do however want to offer these additional activities during September to recognise both International Day of Peace, and a time where there is unprecedented destabilising and heartbreaking conflict across the globe. Baltic offers a safe space, a warm welcome and encourages all to take time to think peace, act peace and spread peace, in this month and always.
Baltic Awarded Gallery of Sanctuary Status
Baltic awarded Gallery of Sanctuary status recognising support and welcome for people for seeking sanctuary.
Keep Baltic Free
We’ve stood for free entry for 22 years. Your donations will help us to safeguard the incredible free access to Baltic.
Donate now.