Walking and talking in Canadian cities since 2009
1-800-691-9320
MEC on Queen St W or AGO
MEC on Queen St W or AGO
This thought-provoking walking tour dives into the heart of Toronto’s graffiti-covered alleys, where street-level art becomes a springboard for deeper conversations about identity, power, and who gets to shape the look and feel of a city. Led by guides who know how to engage students through storytelling and open discussion, this tour examines graffiti as a civic issue: Is it vandalism? Is it voice? Is it art, or activism—or both? Students will be encouraged to consider different perspectives, from property owners to artists to city officials. This tour supports civics, geography, and media literacy goals with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and public discourse.
Highlights:
- Stroll through Graffiti Alley and Queen West’s laneways
- Discuss how street art reflects identity, protest, and civic voice
- Debate public space: who controls it, and what belongs on its walls
- Explore terms like tags, throw-ups, and murals with real-world examples
- Consider perspectives from artists, business owners, and the city
- Engage in critical thinking around freedom of expression and civic regulation
Subjects by Grade:
Grade 5–6:
• Social Studies: Understand how communities express identity in public space.
Grade 7–8:
• Geography: Analyze human-environment interaction through urban expression.
• Media Literacy: Evaluate visual messages and public discourse.
Grade 9–12:
• Civics: Discuss rights, responsibilities, and access to public space.
• Social Justice: Consider how marginalized voices express identity and resistance.