Something powerful happens when you give young people a chance to create public artwork: they find a positive way to express themselves, they feel more connected to their communities and their peers, and they gain real-world skills that prepare them for the future. 

Springboard Performance and the containR site will open their community culture hub to inspire and showcase murals that capture experiences and transformative ideas by youth aged 15-20. The containR Mural Project seeks to amplify the creative work of youth by using the power of the arts to make the invisible experiences and achievements of youth visible. We offer a site as well as a methodology rooted in creative process, to enable participants to realize their creative interests, articulate personal perspective, and participate in the design of the program. We are committed to support youth to tell their stories, raise awareness about challenges they face, and offer a highly visible platform for skill development, mural exposure, and tangible actions towards change. 

In partnership with The Alex, Springboard Performance and the containR will provide each artist and journalist access to resources and the support of mentors.  Artists will have a chance to work with their mentors to brainstorm and refine their ideas, and two weeks will be spent painting their stories and revealing the process, leading up to the unveiling on July 30th. 

The installation will feature the work of Kate MacLean (15), Jaxson Naugler (17), and Daniel Volante (17) displayed at the containR Art Park.  The creative process will be captured by photographer Mary Annan (18), and journalists Alexia Sabau (14), and Jenin Ahmad (18). These young bloggers will work closely with each of the artists to document and reflect on their process and ideas. 

This project is supported and sponsored by TD Park People Grant as well as the Calgary Foundation.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The murals will be sited at the containR Art Park and open to the public, with the unveiling launch party on Thursday, July 30, 2020.

ABOUT THE VISUAL ARTISTS AND BLOGGERS

THE VISUAL ARTISTS

Kate MacLean is a 15-year old Calgarian and an aspiring visual artist. She started sharing her art online 5 years ago, and is now working on her own animated series. Her work is inspired by animation and cartoon styles, and she aims to tell stories with her art.

Jaxson Naugler (he/him) is 17 years old and just graduated high school. He enjoys making art in all mediums and is attending AUArts next year. He is excited to be a part of a project where people can enjoy and interpret his art on such a large and public scale.  

Daniel Volante is one of the artists for this project and is also a 2020 graduate. Throughout High School, Daniel acted in school productions and participated in his art show, while also taking piano lessons. He’s constantly finding ways to create and experience art, and is thrilled for this opportunity.

BLOGGERS

Jenin Ahmad is a recently graduated student who is passionate about contributing to her community through the arts!  While she loves to create her own art with mediums like painting and fibre, she wants to help uplift local artists through her writing and journalism.  In her spare time, she likes to go adventuring outdoors, watch movies, and knit! 

Residing in Calgary since birth, Mary Annan (she/her) is a second generation Ghanian-Canadian. She is actively involved with various Non-profit organizations within the city.  With a primary focus on photography, as well as writing, she uses these medias to explore and capture an array of perspectives and emotions.  She hopes to encourage reflection and truth through her current and future works.  Through digitally blogging the creative processes of muralists, Mary is excited to capture moments of authenticity, for all of the Calgary community to see and reflect on.  

Alexia Sabau is an inquisitive teen who has worked as a Jr. reporter for the Calgary International Children’s Festival, Shaw TV Calgary and CBC Kids News. The 14-year-old is a youth ambassador with a passion for community building, performing arts, journalism and science.