Graffiti & Social Justice Tour
Students explore Toronto’s street art, learn about its history and decode its messages of social justice.
Duration
2 Hours
Grade
4-12
Group Size
up to 150
Price
$15/student + HST
Languages
Tours offered in English & French
Tour Info
Explore some of the city’s most dynamic street art, learning about the history of graffiti and decoding its messages of social justice.
• Debate the place of street art in a city, and learn who decides where art belongs in public spaces
• Explore works by iconic Canadian artists like Uber 5000, Poser, Elicser and La Bamba
• See works exploring issues of immigration, sexual equality and cultural diversity
• Hear how government and public attitudes toward graffiti in Toronto have changed, and the impact it’s having on communities and artists
• Learn the “graff” lexicon: tags, throws, pieces and toys
Available in English & French.
*Warning: there may be coarse language on some works
Start: Graffiti Alley, ends in multicultural Kensington Market, with an array of diverse food options.
Curriculum Connections
The Arts – Visual Arts: students explore the elements and principles of design, develop skills and techniques in creating visual art, and learn about Canadian and international artists.
Social Studies – Citizenship and Identity: students explore their own identity and the identities of others in their community and in Canada.
English – Oral Communication: students develop their oral communication skills through a variety of activities, such as storytelling, role-playing, and group presentations.
English – Media Studies: students begin to develop their media literacy skills by analyzing and creating media texts.
The Arts – Visual Arts: students explore a variety of artistic styles, techniques, and media.
Social Studies – Citizenship and Identity: students explore Canadian history, politics, and social issues, as well as global issues related to citizenship and identity.
English – Oral Communication: students further develop their oral communication skills through activities such as debates, speeches, and media presentations.
English – Media Studies: students further develop their media literacy skills through analyzing and creating a variety of media texts, such as film, television, advertising, and social media.
How to Prepare your class, and what to bring on the day of the tour
When teachers book a tour for their class they will receive an information package that will:
-> outline any in-class preparation activities to be done prior to the tour
-> list materials & items that students should bring on the day of the tour
BOOK A WALK TODAY!
Testimonials
“The Art Walk was amazing; my grade 6 students got to walk, climb, draw and photograph Toronto. I look forward to taking this field trip every year.”
–Andrea C, Grade 7 Teacher, Toronto District Catholic School Board
“The guides were knowledgeable, the content was engaging, and the activities were relevant. My students loved it! The tour was a great way for my students to learn more about the media industry while exploring various types of media found in an urban setting.”
