Words for a young artist: Junot Díaz on why you need to share your voice

Tonight, Junot Díaz will be sharing his voice at AGO Creative Minds, a debate about the nation-state and its impacts, discussing current global politics and how art shapes our understanding of place, history and progress. But before he does, watch the award-winning writer tell us why we need to share ours.

"The people who hate you say your voice is irrelevant," he says. "There is no ethical community out there that doesn't need your voice. So I always say there's no reason to listen to or to centre all that negative crap that gets thrown at us as we live in these domineering societies. What's important is to remember that without us, without the communities that are often marginalized and oppressed, there is no future. And therefore, you should take part in it by sharing your voice."

For more of Díaz, watch tonight as he joins architect Sir David Adjaye, visual artist/writer Christi Belcourt and actor/filmmaker Paul Gross as they each reflect their own creative practice before turning to the broader issue of art's role in today's changing world. The event will also feature a performance by musical guest Whitehorse.

Want to see Creative Minds in person at Massey Hall? Buy tickets now. Can't make it? No worries! You can listen live nationally at 8pm EST on CBC Radio One or tune in to our official livestream at cbc.ca/arts the day of!