The Announcement: 4th Wall Youth Solidarity Project to be launched during WorldPride Toronto 2014.
Announcement Made By: WorldPride 2014 Toronto, the Michaëlle Jean Foundation and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) March 27th
Why We Care: As Canada continues to lead the world in human and equal rights, this is another step in the direction of doing what we do best.
The Scoop: WorldPride 2014 Toronto, the Michaëlle Jean Foundation and the AGO are teaming up to launch the groundbreaking 4th Wall Youth Solidarity Project, which promotes safe, inclusive and healthy communities for marginalized youth, particularly those from Two-Spirit and LGBTTIQQA communities. With the support of over 50 human rights, faith-based, arts, newcomer, Aboriginal and health organizations, the project will inspire Canadians of all ages and backgrounds to voice the importance of establishing and safeguarding an open and inclusive society for all. Featuring a national digital art contest, an online vote to select a brand new public mural, an exhibition during WorldPride 2014 Toronto and a youth forum, the 4th Wall Youth Solidarity Project will use digital platforms to engage youth from coast to coast to coast. www.youthsolidarityproject.ca will be the portal to the project. The groundbreaking initiative will include:
A National Digital Arts Competition inviting youth, aged 14-30, to express themselves creatively on the theme “Solidarity with Canada’s Two-Spirit and LGBTTIQQA Communities.” Six jury-selected finalists will each receive $1,000 and see their artwork displayed in a special WorldPride 2014 Toronto exhibition at the AGO! Artwork may be submitted online at www.youthsolidarityproject.ca. The deadline for applications is April 25, 2014.
An Online Vote for Canadians of all ages to select the artwork that best reflects the contest theme. The winner will be flown to Toronto, awarded a $1,000 cash prize and see their artwork featured as a public outdoor mural. The online vote opens at www.youthsolidarityproject.ca opens on May 14, 2014;
A WorldPride 2014 Toronto Exhibition, which will feature the artwork of the six competition finalists. The exhibition will be on at the AGO from June 22 to Nov. 15, 2014.
A High Energy Youth Solidarity Forum, taking place on June 22, 2014 at the Art Gallery of Ontario in partnership with Jer’s Vision, to discuss strategies to create healthy, safe and inclusive communities through the arts in Canada.
