Painting Murals, Breaking Down Walls
Tackling poverty and isolation by bringing young people together to paint colourful murals in at-risk neighbourhoods – using street art to rebuild social cohesion, reduce crime and create safer communities.
The Local Challenge
Young people in the Dutch city of Hoogeveen face an uncertain future. They often struggle to get on in school, leaving them at high risk of low literacy, inter-generational poverty and health issues. They also face poor job prospects when they leave school. A recent official investigation reveals alarming levels of organised crime targeting at-risk youth, with drug dealing seen as a quick escape from poverty. This has led to increased feelings of insecurity and weakened social cohesion within the community. Public health in Hoogeveen is also on a worrying downward spiral, with above-average rates of smoking, obesity and mental health issues, especially among youth.
The Initiative
Experience in cities across the Netherlands and beyond reveal that street art combined with colour psychology can help to revitalise neighbourhoods, boost safety and deter crime, especially among young people. Partnering with the Urban Arts community at the CultuurKlik Centre for Cultural Education and grassroots group Urban Unity, the city’s public library is transforming at-risk neighbourhoods by creating vibrant murals. Young people are working together to choose themes and renowned local urban artists are leading the creative process, culminating in stunning murals that are helping to break down barriers and bringing the community together.
What’s Next?
Through this project, Hoogeveen Public Library dreams of making their city a safer, healthier and more pleasant living environment for everyone – in particular for young people and at-risk youth in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The library team said: “The library dreams of breaking down walls, leaving the relative safety of our building and meeting our citizens where they actually are and live their lives: on their street, at the park, in their neighbourhood. The Europe Challenge will give us an entry way to these underserved communities.”
This is an ongoing Europe Challenge project that will be completed in autumn 2024. Stay tuned for more updates and contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.
