The project has been put together by 8 youth artists from Jane and Finch who are working with 3 professional artists in order present a multi-media art installation at the Art Gallery of York University.  Led by the Art Gallery of York University in collaboration with Success Beyond Limits, this project is another step in the deep commitment from the gallery to youth and community.

Success Beyond Limits is an after-school educational support program and The AGYU, through this collaboration, are offering youth in Jane and Finch the opportunity to participate in stimulating and enriching arts and cultural workshops led by the city’s leading artists. If I Ruled the World, is providing youth in our community with the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with Mark “Kurupt” Stoddart and The M.A.D Poet, to create art works that explore and develop an urban spatial imaginary.

Looking at the architecture, landscape, and urban plan of their neighbourhood, youth artists are employing visual art and spoken word poetry to explore the impact that spatial inequality and injustice has had on their lives. Moreover, they will use painting, drawing and spoken work poetry as a means of envisioning urban transformation that will result from a more socially just and equitable neighbourhood and spatial structure.

The installation will be followed up with a two-day design charette with ArchTEXT that will explore urban planning through the eyes of youth artists in the community.

The Art Gallery of York University has done a remarkable job in providing this remarkable opportunity.