How can youth-led placemaking challenge gender stereotypes and inspire positive self-talk?

For International Women’s Day 2021, I collaborated with Erindale College students on a Youth Street Art project that explored themes of mental wellbeing and challenging gender stereotypes. Centred around the International Women’s Day theme, “Choose to Challenge,” the project included a keynote talk by female Olympian Caroline Buchanan, who shared insights on overcoming negative thinking and breaking free from societal expectations.

The workshop introduced students to an “Expressive Type” module, demonstrating how art can become a tool for empowerment and self-expression. Together, we co-created a mural that celebrated resilience and the power of positive self-talk.

Timeline: The project included a one-day off-site workshop with Caroline Buchanan’s keynote and design planning, followed by two days of mural painting on-site. The final artwork was unveiled with a media launch, covered by The Canberra Times, City News, WIN News, and ABC Radio, and attended by the Minister for Women and the Minister for Sport.

Team: Led by myself as the workshop facilitator and mural designer, with support from ACT Government coordinator Lisa Petheram, and students from Erindale College contributing their talents to the painting process.

Funding: Supported by the ACT Government’s TCCS grant in partnership with YWCA.

Location: Garema Place, Canberra Centre, ACT.

This project exemplified the power of grassroots changemaking by empowering young people to use art as a platform for sparking dialogue and fostering community values.