Youth Allies’ Art and Social Change Project is designed to 1) Educate the community about sustainability and social justice through art and creative expression.

• The project includes research and training in sustainability and social justice for youth leaders as well as training in the historical role art has played in social change movements. Partnerships with local hip hop artists, public works artists, and groups working on specific areas of the sustainability and social justice movements inform the work of the young leaders who are running this project.

• Artist work year-round alongside the other Youth Allies projects to bring an artistic, creative, and imaginative approach to the social change work they are pursuing through peer and public education.

• Throughout the year, performances are held at Food Not Bombs meals as a means to build community and spread the educational message of Youth Allies using the medium of art.

• In April as part of the Global Youth Service Days, a hip hop convergence is held that showcases the work of these young artists and their messages for change.

• Youth Allies also work with the Youth Media Project to record radio broadcasts promoting sustainability.

The project design includes monthly performances and showcases at Food Not Bombs meals in Santa Fe public parks as well as ongoing work to design fliers, brochures, posters, performances, murals, t-shirts, and other educational materials. The annual convergence in April will challenge youth from around northern New Mexico to use their artistic talents in service of social change. Participating artists will have a chance to express themselves as well as learn from their peers about sustainability and social justice. The project also includes peer education trainings conducted in the Santa Fe Public Schools throughout the year.