“Everyone has the right to freedom of movement”. That’s the powerful message behind The Art Alley Mural Project. It is Article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This mural brings poetry to Islington Village. It uses art to highlight important human rights.
The Art Alley Mural Project began as a collaboration. Arts Etobicoke joined Amnesty International’s Urban Canvas project. This project celebrates human rights through art. Arts Etobicoke chose Article 13 as their theme.
Dionne Brand wrote a poem for the mural. She was Toronto’s Poet Laureate at the time. Her words capture the essence of freedom of movement. Artist Susan Rowe Harrison designed the mural. Her design visually represents Brand’s poem. Mural painter William Lazos brought the design to life in July 2010. He worked with youth volunteers from the neighborhood. Together, they transformed a plain alley wall into a thought-provoking artwork.
The Art Alley Mural Project is located east of Arts Etobicoke’s office and gallery. The mural spans 1000 square feet. It turned a hidden space into a focal point. In October 2010, Mayor David Miller unveiled the mural. Brand led a “walking reading” of her poem. Roshanak Jaberi, an Iranian-Canadian dancer, introduced her. Drummers accompanied Jaberi as she danced. Their performance emphasized the mural’s theme.
The poem itself speaks of journeys and belonging. It mentions passenger pigeons. They once filled the Toronto sky. The poem references the river, Tanaovate. It highlights the loneliness and industry it has seen. It speaks of migrants and global citizens. The poem ends with a sense of common ownership of the earth. It articulates the unbinding of migratory bones.
“Off The Wall” showcased artwork by local youth. Their pieces responded to the mural. They created their own interpretations of public art. The Art Alley Mural Project brings together art, poetry, and human rights. It invites viewers to reflect on freedom of movement. It encourages them to consider the meaning of belonging. It transforms an ordinary alley into a space for reflection. The Art Alley Mural Project stands as a testament to the power of art. It shows how art can raise awareness. It demonstrates how art can inspire social change.