The Mural Project

Back in May, Canada celebrated our first ever National Youth Arts Week.  338 events took place in 77 communities across the country.  In small towns, rural hamlets, First Nations communities and large urban centres, from the Maritimes to Vancouver, young artists participated in workshops and were taught to use creative expression to create dialogue, foster a sense of community, and explore important social issues facing youth, all through the power of the arts.

This week of artistic growth has helped to encourage a pursuit of the arts amongst Kingston’s youth and has left a visual impact in some cases as well.  One of the projects during Youth Arts Week was a mural project focused on the Willamsville and Kingscourt districts of Kingston. During the months leading up to National Youth Arts Week, young artists conducted interviews with residents whose stories formed the final image of the mural.  The process was documented by Sebastian Back, a young videographer and high school student.  You have likely passed the mural, located on the corner of Concession and Nelson, just north of the grounds at the Memorial Centre.  It’s message is clear: We are all part of a bigger picture.  Watch Sebastian’s documentary to see the creation of this project unfold.