“Urban Canvas” is about the potential of public art and creative urban design focusing on engaging and empowering youth. A panel discussion on the transformative power of public art and creative mediums in urban design to engage and empower youth.

Panel Discussion

Full of creativity and curiosity, youths have the potential to make meaningful contributions to the design processes of communities and cities. In a multicultural hub like Toronto, there is a greater importance to engage young people to foster a sense of belonging and create inclusive and vibrant urban spaces, particularly for those from underrepresented families and communities. 

For the 2024 DesignTO Festival, Urban Minds organized a panel discussion that explores the potential of public art and creative mediums (i.e., art installations, murals, photography, videography, and design competitions) in urban design and planning, with a focus on their capacity to engage and empower youth.

Photo Journal Contest

Our photo journal contest, “Your Neighbourhood through Your Eyes”, invited youth under the age of 18 to share photos that showed:

• Their neighbourhood through their eyes
• What was important to them about their neighbourhood
• Their favourite part of their neighbourhood

Congratulations to our photo journal contest winners:

1. Audy N
2. Humza H
3. Jamie S

Speakers

Featuring a diverse group of experts, including urban planners, artists, and community organizers, the discussion explored compelling case studies and best practices that have effectively harnessed art to embed diverse youth voices in community building and inspire the next generation of change makers.