Paint it Up! mural program reduces graffiti through art

If there is a wall in your neighbourhood that keeps falling victim to graffiti vandalism, the City of Ottawa and Crime Prevention Ottawa invite you to Paint it Up! Now in its sixth year, the Paint it Up! program offers funding for community groups and at-risk youth to create murals in areas of the city that are experiencing high rates of graffiti vandalism. The program is one component of the City’s Graffiti Management Strategy.

Since its inception in 2010, the program has involved over 800 youth, ranging in age from 12 to 22 years, working on 43 projects across the city supported by an average project grant of $5,000. Outdoor murals have proven to be effective in managing graffiti vandalism, supporting arts and culture, contributing to economic development and providing youth engagement opportunities.

Applications for the 2015 Paint It Up! program are available on the Crime Prevention Ottawa website or by calling 3-1-1. The deadline for applications is March 27

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For more information about the Paint it Up! program and how to apply, applicants are encouraged to register for a public information session by calling 3-1-1 or e-mailing CPO@Ottawa.ca. Information sessions will be held on the following dates: ** Date ** : Monday, February 23, 2015 ** Time ** : 1:30 to 3 p.m. ** Place ** : Festival Boardroom, City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue, West ** Date ** :  Tuesday, February 24, 2015 ** Time ** : 5:30 to 7 p.m. ** Place ** : Workshop 2, Overbrook Community Centre, 33 Quill Street