Expanded street art programs in North Bay this summer

A street art program that ran last summer in North Bay is back again this year, plus there are more opportunities for local youth to get together and get creative over the summer.

City police are teaming up with street artists, businesses and youth to beautify North Bay once again.

One of the new programs involves the design and creation of a new mural on the wall of Cheapskates.

Another mural planned for downtown will respond to questions of reconciliation.

Last year’s Mac’s StreetArt Program resulted in a mural being painted on a Mac’s Convenience Store on O’Brien.

That program returns in late August this year and involves a Mac’s on Trout Lake Road.

About the Black Water Arts Collective
The Black Water Arts Collective was formed in August 2015, by and for new generation artists. With a focus on guerrilla and urban art, their activities have included performative interventions in public spaces, visual and media arts installations, and a monthly poetry slam that has become a favourite community event. This summer Chelsee Lefebvre will be working with Imogen Clendinning to facilitate the graffiti based mural project.
On Wednesdays:
Come learn how to do graffiti and stencil work on our practice wall behind the White Water Gallery at 122 Main Street East on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information, visit the collective’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/bwacers

About Akawe Dadaakokii
Akawe Dadaakokii is an Ojibwe expression that means “first steps,” and was chosen by emerging artists here on Nipissing territory as their collective name.
These emerging Indigenous artists that are learning to live in a good way, together, through the arts.
This summer, Paige Linklater-Wong will be facilitating the creation of a public mural with the support of Tessa Linklater.

On Thursdays:
Indigenous youth who have something to say about improving our ways of living together, come on out on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the White Water Gallery at 122 Main Street East!
Check out the Akawe Dadaakokii’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/akawedadaakokii

Mac’s StreetArt Program “Tag the base of the mural!”
Date: Monday August 28th, 2017
Time: 10 am-12pm
Location: Mac’s Convenience Store 2606 Trout Lake Road
Cost: Free! All materials will be provided.
Open to: All welcome!

About the Mac’s/CircleK StreetART Program
The Mac’s/CircleK StreetART Mural initiative creates strategic partnerships in an effort to help prevent crime and strengthen community relationships. The program builds a community-based shared responsibility to prevent crime, such as graffiti, shoplifting, and robbery incidents-not only at the store, but on the property as well. Engaging the community, especially the youth, will empower them to make a positive difference and also strengthen relationships between the community and each Mac’s/CircleK store.