VIEWS
VIEWS will return in 2025! Follow us on Instagram for updates.
Vision of Inspiring & Empowering Walls in Scarborough (VIEWS) is a free mural creation and professional development program for youth that aims to explore and document stories of neighbourhoods and communities. We collaborate with youth to reimagine and transform spaces and places in Scarborough communities—from recreational centres, to libraries, and schools. Participants take part in weekly intensive workshops focused on building skills in community consultation and research, storytelling, mural design, and painting techniques with guidance from community artists and professional muralists.
VIEWS encourages participants to immerse themselves in a confidence-building environment, improve their visual arts and mural creation skills, and expand their artistic practice. We strive to empower individuals to foster meaningful connections with their peers and cultivate personal and professional growth. The murals created during the program capture and document community members' stories, values, and commitments, preserving them for the next generation.
PAST VIEWS PROJECTS
VIEWS: L’Amour Grande (2023)
Youth participants infuse colour into the basement walls of the L’Amoreaux Community Centre in North Scarborough to create a more inviting and inspiring environment for youth.
VIEWS: GOLDEN GIRLS (2022)
Youth participants document stories of the extraordinary women in the rapidly gentrifying Golden Mile neighbourhood through colourful murals in O’Connor Community Centre.
PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS
“I had such an amazing experience being part of the VIEWS program with Next Generation Arts and would recommend it to anyone looking to feel supported and progress in their journey with art! Not only did we end up painting a beautiful mural, but made new friends and connections I know I can turn to anytime! Thank you Next Generation Arts!”
“I really enjoyed my experience in VIEWS! I was a little nervous to go on the first day because I didn’t know anyone and didn’t really know what to expect, but I immediately felt at ease when I was greeted by one of the coordinators. Being able to just chill and paint and talk to like-minded people was really calming. As one of the younger participants there, I was able to get a lot of advice and encouragement in pursuing arts post-secondary and the whole environment was just super supportive. Being able to contribute and be part of the community was really special for me because there’s not as much of that in downtown Toronto where I’m from. I also thought it was cool how VIEWS did an exhibit with all the participants’ paintings at the end to showcase everyone’s individual expressions. Overall, I think I grew a lot from this program.”
“As a result of the skills gained from the Next Generation Arts Program, such as blending techniques, using reference photos, painting from life, and mixing colours to create unique combinations, I have recently enrolled in Seneca College art fundamentals program where I am able to apply and further enhance these skills. The knowledge and experience gained from the program have played a crucial role in my artistic development. I am happy to share that I received an A for making exceptional progress in class, and I am confident that this progress will contribute to further growth and development of my artistic skills.”