Over the summer, we have been working on a mural in collaboration with the Genesis Centre, led by the youth from its planning to painting. This mural builds on themes of community, belonging, inclusion, mental wellness, and cultural diversity.
During the planning phase of this project youth explored what community looks and feels like to them; the ways in which they feel and foster belonging; and the different cultures they are a part of or see in their community. Diving into soft skills of communication, collaboration, and problem solving, youth developed the design for the mural. Incorporating visual representations of the communities and cultures they observe. Along with working to create a sense of cohesion, flow, and belonging through a more abstract background.
In the past few weeks, the youth have transferred the design and now put paint to the wall developing skills and understanding in the phases of creating a large-scale mural. Working together to problem solve and create a plan for each part of the process. Exploring disagreements and compromise to collectively come to a solution and pathway forward. The youth have been building skills in leadership and teamwork, seen through their initiative in starting and sharing tasks.
Youth aim to create a final mural which the viewer can find a sense of belonging and engage with more physically.
