Background
The 4th Wall: Making the Invisible Visible is our flagship program, providing youth who face exclusion an opportunity and support to engage in an artistic process, create with purpose and showcase their work in a major cultural institution. Young artists create a work of art that addresses or brings awareness to a social issue that affects them personally. During the process, they are given access to institutional resources, coaching and professional mentorship.
Once the art is completed, the works are showcased, and we host a facilitated dialogue to engage and mobilize the public. We bring the community together (everyone from elected officials and decision-makers, to teachers, social workers, professionals from different sectors, and the general public) to have a meaningful dialogue around the artists’ work. The art starts a conversation and opens a doorway to challenging conversations.
Partner institutions have included the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, the Musée de la civilisation in Quebec City, the CEE Centre in Scarborough and the Silk Road Institute in Montreal.
Objectives
- Encourage young people to participate in social, economic, cultural and political life of the region
- Facilitate networking, collaboration, and dialogue between community members facing barriers and the wider community
- Affirm the power of the arts to drive social transformation and provide ongoing support for young artists
- Make cultural institutions accessible and inviting to young people
- Create a framework for future action and a final report
Eligibility
- Must be between 17 and 30 years of age
- Must be an artist
- Demonstrates a strong passion for social change
- Can present artistic work bringing awareness to social issues
Other program information
Youth who are selected will receive funding assistance to create their artwork.