Agencies battling graffiti vandalism with art
Posted May 29, 2014 10:18 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Calgary kids who are caught making graffiti on city property will soon be given a new way to explore their creative side.
The City of Calgary, Calgary Police Service and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary are joining forces for the ‘Up the Wall’ program.
Those aged 12 to 17 who face charges of graffiti vandalism will be enlisted in the program and brought to a City of Calgary art facility, where they will have a new, positive outlet for self-expression and a way to develop key life skills.
The program is designed to engage youth through relationship-based case management, address the root causes of crime and increase positive civic engagement.
It will be offered six hours a week for weeks beginning in June and up to three times a year, with 10 to 12 participants during each session.
The pilot project will be evaluated after two years.
