After months of collective creation, The Mural Project: Art in Hard Times by Art Not Shame and social artist Melanie Schambach is set for a big reveal.
The project was launched last June. bringing together over 60 people with the intention of amplifying the voices of those who identify as Black, LGBTQ2I+, Indigenous, people of colour, newcomers, street-engaged, living with developmental exceptionalities, or struggling with mental health and addictions.
It was done under the guidance from 11 local artists and outreach support from 13 local social service-based/community arts organizations.
Participants co-created the main mural themes, which included: racial inequality, homophobia, mental health stigma, police brutality, disability advocacy, gender equality, culture, social action, uncertainty, equal access to food, shelter, and income, knowledge sharing, community connection, integrity, love, faith, empathy, transformative justice, creation, and being in relation to difference.
Each participant completed a piece of the mural which is best described as: one giant mosaic composed of many individual visual stories, using many different art mediums.
Additionally, each participant was asked to record themselves describing their piece and telling their story.
In addition to the main mural, the entire process was witnessed by local musician Joni NehRita, who created powerful musical soundscapes and songs based on what she experienced.
The whole Mural Team is excited to announce the unveiling of the completed piece. This unveiling will take place virtually via Zoom and will be interactive for those attending. Participants will share their experience and we will build community via breakout rooms, musical performance, and discussion. All are welcome to attend. It will take place on Thursday Sept. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
You do not need to register to attend. Zoom link and more info can be found here.
The Mural Project: Art in Hard Times was made possible by the generous funding support of: the Centre for Community Engaged Narrative Arts (CCENA), RTO4, the Guelph Community Health Centre, the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, The Guelph Community Foundation, The Guelph Community Response Fund: Partnership with the Guelph Community Foundation and United Way GWD, the Musagetes Fund, and the Emergency Community Support Fund: Canadian Red Cross.
