Urban art, through some of its committed messages, imposes reflection and provokes debate, participating in the daily education of the community
A large number of murals depicting books and libraries have been painted in several cities in the world, dedicated to reading and education through books.
Schools have for many years integrated the study of urban art into their curricula through city art tours, such as in Melbourne, where more than 35,000 students have walked the city’s completely covered streets.
Street art is not only used by schools as a working medium, it can also be used to defend the right to education of minorities. For example, a group of graffiti artists in Harlem organized a street art campaign to defend the right to education of the Baha’is, a persecuted religious minority in Iran
This campaign, painted directly on school walls and in neighbouring districts amplifies the message through students and the local community. Harlem was not chosen by chance, it is the historic site of the “Harlem Renaissance” in the 1920s, or the civil rights movement of the 1960s. This history of civic struggle makes this of New York City neighborhood a fitting venue for this event
In the same way that museums present thought-provoking works, urban art, art in the open air, question and provokes. Students are invited to describe their feelings and emotions, and to construct their reflections in relation to the messages conveyed
The field of reflection is large and this vast culture offers schools an undeniable educational interest
Street art and culture under study
Some American universities set up study and spraying days, often co-organized with associations and artists themselves, to raise awareness of this art and its culture among students
In Vancouver, students are invited to express themselves freely, alone or in groups, around the city’s street art murals
In France, exhibitions integrate urban art for the promotion and enhancement of research and street art is highlighted during a presentation at the United Nations to raise awareness on the exploitation of children in the world
Street art is a unifying art form, easy to grasp
This contemporary art is easily accessible to students from all over the world because it is part of their daily lives. The use of numerous techniques and supports allow for students to live a varied and colorful learning experience and offer a wide range of tools to those who wish to try their hand at these practices
The study of the messages conveyed in the works makes them reflect, debate and enrich their culture
