The Graffiti Transformation Project is an eight-week summer program. The program is for youth between 13 and 16 years old.  The youth are taught how to paint murals (large, outdoor wall paintings) and change graffiti. Over the eight weeks the youth learn many skills. These include leadership, interpersonal and communication, conflict resolution, self-esteem and employment skills.  The project gives local businesses, parks and people living in the neighbourhood (Bathurst to the east, Roncesvalles to the west, and Bloor Street to the north, and the Lake to the south) a chance to transform graffiti on their property. Teamwork and community building can be seen during the summer as the youth work. Their murals show the results of their teamwork later. The youth and the owner of the property plan murals to cover the graffiti. They design a creative mural. Examples are a nature scene, anti-oppression message or a culturally inspired mural.  The youth join in all levels of the project. The Paint Team Leader/Youth Worker helps the youth make a work plan. They find high-risk areas in the community. Then they plan the steps for the graffiti transformation. 

This project offers youth, 13 to 16 years of age, the chance to gain valuable experience. They can use what they have learned in future years.  Most of all, it allows youth the opportunity to give to their local community in a meaningful way.  Some of the youth in the project have grown into confident and highly motivated individuals.  For many youth in the community, the St. Christopher House Graffiti Transformation Project was their first work experience and team building project.

Graffiti is a growing problem in our city.  Graffiti hurts the community in many ways. It makes neighbourhoods feel unsafe and unwelcoming. This form of violence is a way to show power and control. By having community youth in the project we hope to build on resources already in the community. We want other community members to join in this process.  In a lot of graffiti there are words that are very hurtful and rude.  These words are destructive and damaging to the community.

In past years many community members helped us learn which areas need attention. We have had success with youth creating the murals. We believe that the project’s success depends on the community working with us. Our success also depends on giving people living in the area the chance to help their community. We give an opportunity for youth to feel a sense of ownership. 

The project has painted many murals in local parks, businesses and community centres.  The response from the community, property owners, staff and the public has been very positive.  The St. Christopher House Graffiti Transformation Project has been in the news.  Homeowners have wanted their graffiti garage doors painted, especially garages in laneways.

To learn more about the project for the summer of 2005 please call (416) 532-4828