Halifax, Nova Scotia
Inviting students to redesign their way to school
The Project
Halifax’s North End, an historically African Nova Scotian neighborhood, was identified as an opportunity for enhanced travel ways aided by temporary curb extensions. Seven intersections were selected, and murals were installed to make the streets safer and build a sense of neighborhood connection through community engagement. Halifax Regional Municipality hired three artists with community engaged art practices to lead design workshops with 5th and 6th grade students, and over the spring and summer, local youth groups and camps painted the murals. Community members expressed enthusiasm around the project as it brought color back to the street. Through the enhancement and shortening of crosswalks, these community-painted spaces have already changed the way many interact with the street by building a sense of belonging, ownership, and presence for those who make their way to school and work every day.
In addition to the community-driven installation, the city also arranged an artist-led tour of the murals for residents to learn about the mural-making process and the youth who painted them, and celebrate the colorful additions to their streets. The celebration included food and music provided by local groups, and a bicycle giveaway to 3 lucky youths in attendance.
Best Practice Highlight: Involving local students
Unique to this project was the choice to involve local youth from the immediate neighborhood in the design and painting of the murals. Partners at Joseph Howe Elementary School were keen from the outset to get their students involved and the artists were eager to ensure the ideas the kids brought forth were integrated across the mural series. From place names, to social justice movements, solar eclipses and swingsets, it was an intentional and inclusive process throughout.
When it came time to paint the murals, it was key to have community members feel a sense of power and control over the project. The team worked with local summer camps and youth groups, many of which live in the community and go to the school, to paint the murals that they designed. This built a sense of ownership over the designs and pride of place for youth who live near and use these streets every day.
For decades these streets have been used as a shortcut for speeding commuters, disregarding the neighborhood they were rushing through. The murals the local youth created are having a welcome impact on community safety.
Anika Riopel, Senior Sustainable Transportation Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre
Use the slider to see the transformation
Press
You Won’t Be Able To Miss This Bike Infrastructure In Halifax (CBC – Nova Scotia, July 17, 2024)
Halifax Snags $25k International Art Grant (CTV News Atlantic, November 14, 2023)
For inspiration and tips for the creation of art on roadways and public places, download the Bloomberg Associates Asphalt Art Guide which features successful plaza and roadway art activations around the world, as well as key steps for developing such projects.
