Inclusion, Diversity, Representation & Art – Mural Project
Why Belonging Through Art? About the Project
Art projects rooted in social equity can foster change by altering the aesthetics of place to create a feeling of belonging. Graffiti is a form of street art, deeply rooted in Black and Latinx culture, that highlights a diversity of viewpoints, is not bound by colonial notions of what is valid as art, brings voice to difficult social realities, and has power.
For these reasons, Algonquin College’s Inclusion & Diversity Circle is leading this exciting project to add street art style murals to each of the campuses in an effort to tackle visual representation as a barrier to belonging for the College community.
What Is Community Engaged Art? About The Process
Community engaged art is a collaborative creative process that involves both professional artists and social institutions. It is a respectful, inclusive co-creation of art with meaning.
The content of the murals was inspired by the AC community. The selection of each element of the mural by the artists was driven by their conversations and interactions with learners and employees on each of the campuses. These murals are our campus’ compelling vision for inclusion, diversity, and belonging.
The Art & Its Impact
Outdoor Mural Celebrates Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Pembroke Campus
For four days, employees and students at the Pembroke Waterfront Campus watched as the new mural came to life. What started with a community painting day ended with a vibrant display of colour and powerful imagery that brings attention to Algonquin College’s commitment to celebrating diversion and inclusion at all of its campuses…. (read more by clicking here)
Diversity mural adds dashes of colour, representation to Perth college walls
Perth’s Algonquin College campus is set to look a lot more colourful, and inclusive, thanks to a new diversity mural.(read more by clicking here)
About The Artists
Jimmy Baptiste is a father, youth educator/facilitator, graphic artist and muralist. His work is inspired by the imaginative world of graffiti and typography, manga culture and comic books. Jimmy brings more than 20 years experience in community based art creation and curation specifically the use of murals and graffiti to engage people of all ages in positive skill-building experiences, while simultaneously supporting local arts and culture, while enhancing the City’s beauty for residents and visitors.
Allan André is a Canadian multi-disciplinary artist of West Indian descent. Allan’s work has been featured in exhibits in New York, Orlando, Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal and he is a three time regional winner and two time champion of Art Battle Canada’s nation wide speed painting competition – earning him the title of Canada’s best speed painter. Allan has mentored youth for Youth Ottawa’s Artistic Mentorship Program. André’s philosophy is that life is art…“We all are artists who leave our signature on the canvas we call the human experience by challenging our own spheres of influence in a way that will ripple through future generations.”
Kalkidan Assefa aka DRPN soul is a multidisciplinary artist and certified Artist-Educator specializing in figurative and iconographic paintings and murals. As a muralist he has successfully completed projects for a variety of clients and stakeholders across Ontario. His talent has been featured in group exhibitions and collaborative projects both regionally and abroad, and includes curating and organize art events.