The voice of youth.

Young people, art, and social change have always walked hand-in-hand. Through the arts, youth can promote positive, powerful social change. Numerous forms of art can be used to do so, including drawing, sculpture, music, street art, murals, and more. With the arts, young people can make a significant impact on the world.

By co-creating artistic works together, young people and adults can foster a sense of community, belonging, and empowerment; regardless of their ages, backgrounds, and divisions. The small murals at James John Elementary in St Johns are a perfect example of this. The student council, with assistance from the art teacher Jay Longfellow, created the mural of the St Johns bridge as it is a neighborhood landmark. The lion, here with a rainbow mane and surrounded by pride frogs, represents the James John mascot. The action of the lion holding up children atop our planet holding hands is so powerful.

One student by herself created the mural with the black fist against a rainbow backdrop. To her this represents her support for Black Lives Matter, and for the people and friends in her life who are underrepresented.

Through our Vibe in the Community programming and our advocacy for equity in access to music and arts education in all of our K-12 schools, Vibe is committed to uplifting the voices of our youth as they begin to change the world. We hope you will join us!