Murals confronts one of the darkest problems facing our youth : the overwhelming cycle of violence in our homes, schools, and communities. We connect community resources in drama, art, music, and movement to work with some of Pittsburgh's most at-risk members, helping them address the issue of violence. Through the arts, Murals hopes to spark new interest and encourage youth to reconsider their social and educational choices.

Students will explore the issue of violence during our after school program, which includes three unique modules. Local teaching artists will use their craft as a tool to tackle these social issues, creating a safe community for students to share and learn. Through visual arts, students will explore their literal and emotional experiences of violence, and envision alternatives. Students will investigate the concepts of cooperation, conflict resolution, and empathy through drama. Through movement, students will focus on emotional expression, cultural sensitivity, and personal safety. Students will be evaluated before, during, and after Murals to ensure program effectiveness. As a culminating event, students will share what they have created and learned at a Community Peace Party designed for parents, children, and community leaders. Using the arts to address issues of violence, students will find new positive ways to express their voice.

The MGR Foundation has partnered with Carnegie Mellon University in order to provide volunteer artist/mentors for our program. CMU students will guide the children through the artistic process, helping them achieve lifelong success. In addition, CMU has compiled a dynamic advisory board of professors and administrators to provide support and expertise.

The Basics

  • Violence prevention through the arts
  • After-school program
  • 3 Modules
  • Module 1 : Visual Arts
  • Module 2 : Drama
  • Module 3 : Music and Movement

    MGR Foundation Provides

  • Program Administration
  • CMU volunteer artist/mentors
  • Violence Prevention Facilitator
  • Artists in Residence
  • Support and mentoring for at-risk population

    Short/Long Term Outcomes

  • Increase in nonviolent, personal behavior
  • Increase awareness and expression of emotions
  • Develop skills in cooperation and conflict resolution
  • Develop empathy and cultural sensitivity towards others
  • Learn personal safety skills
  • Increase in effective community building skills