Title
Creating Safe Spaces
Preview
Identifier
Winner, Second Place
Creation Date
Spring 2023
Description
Active engagement in the arts provides many of positive outcomes that youths can take into their everyday lives. Art equips youths with the tools needed to learn about themselves and others. It can take them out of their comfort zone yet still be a place where it is beneficial to make mistakes. They learn to work with others toward a common goal, which teaches them the importance and value of their work in a group setting. The image shows the progression of mural project that aimed to create a safe space for youths in our community to engage with a diverse community including students, muralists, and law enforcement. My research during and after the event explored how participation in this project may influence how youths think about themselves and their community. It measured how self-esteem, hopefulness, self-efficacy, and civic thinking were supported through youth participation.