Peace on

the Streets

A Youth Public Art Project

by Paint the Change and Streets of Growth

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD

Streets of Growth is an East London-based “bold and dynamic ‘grass roots’ charity that specialises in prevention, intervention, and post-vention for young adults aged 15-25 who are seriously stuck in terms of their lifestyle, environment, education or career.” 

Many of the young people they support are completely disconnected from the community regeneration opportunities in their area, and Streets of Growth seeks to close that gap by creating “positive and progressive social and economic networks and opportunities for them to transform their future.” 

Paint the Change joined a group of young Streets of Growth leaders at The Manor, their creative hub in Bethnal Green, to host a street art and advocacy workshop to discuss what peace meant to them, specifically in Tower Hamlets and within their local communities.

Street artist Atma used the discussions and artworks from the workshop to design a community mural for St Andrew’s Wharf Youth Hub in Isle of Dogs, where the young participants joined him to paint the wall.

A mural launch event was held on the 1st of June where The People Speak led a community “Talkeoke” discussion with Streets of Growth mentors and young people, local police and councillors. The debate covered topics such as the mural’s slogan “Be the change you want to see in the world”, young people’s trust (or lack thereof) in police authorities, and gender inequality, among others.