Heart of Equity- Holy Heart of Mary Senior High x Eastern Edge x YWCA
Heart of Equity is a youth-led creative initiative grounded in the belief that young people are already shaping the future of our arts community. This work invites students from Holy Heart of Mary High School to explore equity, anti-racism and inclusion through painting, storytelling and collective creation.
This initiative is an extension of the Arts for Equity project and brings together students from art programs, providing space to reflect on identity, belonging and their lived experiences in Newfoundland and Labrador. With support from teacher Meleny Yetman-Holloway, Eastern Edge facilitators and project partner YWCA, youth of all racial and cultural backgrounds are presented with artists and artwork that has worked as tools for change. They were encouraged to ask meaningful questions, envision positive change and express their ideas through a painting project that fit neatly within the grade 12 art curriculum.
Students are supported with materials and guidance to create artworks that speak to community care, representation and justice.
Heart of Equity strengthens the relationship between NLESD school system and community arts organizations, while also centering youth leadership. Their perspectives will continue to shape the direction of Arts for Equity and Heart of Equity as we work to identify and dismantle barriers and uplift emerging artists across the province.
Stay tuned. We will be returning to Holy Heart to hear from the students and document their work. We plan to create a digital mural with the documentation to be presented at the Symposium taking place on Feb 25-28, 2026.
This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada. Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie grâce au gouvernement du Canada.
