Graffiti Art Programming Inc

Youth are invited to join in a mural project, focused on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action. Art as Action brings together youth participants, alongside elders, survivors as well as intergenerational survivors, to converse, learn from one another, and reflect on our shared history of Turtle Island. The process will begin with an open conversation, participants will then be led by an art instructor who will facilitate a specialized workshop, where participants will create artwork to be digitally rendered and printed on aluminum panels, to be later installed as murals throughout the city of Winnipeg, Treaty One Territory.

Art as Action Logistical Breakdown:

Each participating youth group can consist of up to 10-1l participants* A total of three workshop sessions per group, at 2 hours per session

Workshop Day 1- Knowledge Sharing and Open Dialogue

-45 minutes, Welcome participants with smudge. Elder sharing and teachings, exchange of knowledge on Indian Residential Schools, Day Schools, and how these forces continue today in other avenues.

-15 min break

-1 hour, open dialogue, participants reflect on teachings and what was shared by the elder, an opportunity to ask questions on related themes/topics.

Workshop Day 2: Reflection and Design

-45 min, Smudge and artist introduction, opportunity for artist to share their own experiences with IRS. Artist then introduce participants to the workshop, review previous conversations and brainstorm session

-15 min break

-1 hour, draft designs and begin workshop project

Workshop Day 3: Artistic Collaboration

-1 hour, Smudge and check-in, continue workshop project

-15 min break

-30 minutes, continue working and complete workshop project

-15 min, conclusion check-out, reflection on the project and, opportunity for each participant to share their overall experiences

*A select number of participants (~2 per group) who display immense engagement and desire of further involvement of the Calls to Action will be invited to join future sessions of workshops to work towards a youth art exhibition with an honorarium provided

We recognize the heaviness of these topics, and although these are very critical discussions needed to be had, we at Graffiti Art Programming recognize the toll that opening up about these histories can have on our mental health. GAP will ensure a skilled and trauma-informed counsellor is available for participants, as well as survivors and artists, to have access to someone they can confide in and attain any necessary resources over the duration of the project.

Any teachers/group facilitators who are interested in signing up their youth group or class for the Art as Action Mural Project should contact Annie Beach at [email protected] or by calling 204-667-9960