By: Tracy Childs

“So, you’re the Artist?” I was once asked by a stout woman with wavy blond hair.

I fixated on her hair because it appeared fluffy and carefree, but in fact only achieved this effect by every single hair being very deliberately placed into individual curls. It framed her heart shaped face and jaw line, drawing maximum attention down to the complimentary shades of scarlet in her glossy lipstick, garnet necklace, and decorative stitching around the collar of her suit jacket. She was so well put together; she sparkled despite the uninspired fluorescent lighting of the trade show market space.

“Does it cost a lot to look that good?” “Is the person who did your hair an Artist?” I mused.

So many thoughts I had at that moment, but I’ve been told it is rude to answer a question with a question so instead I stammered, “Um, I don’t know if I would call it Art” I said, finally answering her question.

She blinked her full lashes at me before turning the seamlessly applied makeup covered lids back to the home made items for sale on my table. Photos engraved and painted on ceramic tiles, mirrors framed in old barn wood and cowhide, and decorative pillows sewn together from leather and fabric scraps.

She moved on to the next booth without making a purchase. It has always made me uncomfortable when people call me an “Artist”. Who are they to be handing out such a title? How do I know I deserve it? I just make the things my brain tells me to make.

I have never taken any art classes, I do not know any art theory. My brain just shows me a picture of something over and over on repeat, allowing relief from the constant image bombardment only once I achieve the success of creating something similar. Most times, in order to make the things my brain wants me to, I have to acquire a new skill, learn a new technique, or use unfamiliar equipment. There is usually a learning curve, as well as trial and error; LOTS of trial and error. 

Error after error to the point where I have a lot of random knowledge packed into my brain of what I know does NOT work but I still always only manage to figure out a BETTER way to do something, never the BEST way to do something. Then my brain shows me something different and the cycle starts again.

There is no finish line for a creative brain, because there is no race. There is no diploma or Graduation Day because there is no certification to designate a person as “creative.”

There is no test anyone can give me to know I am succeeding at creativity and so, conversely, no one has the authority to tell me that I am failing at it either.

I am creating something at this very moment, and that in itself is the goal.

“Yes, I am the Artist.” Is what I should have confidently told the well put together lady with the perfectly fluffy blond hair, “and so is whoever did your hair – it looks fabulous!”

I am Creative. That makes me an Artist. If I am Writing, then I am a Writer. If I am Dreaming, then I am a Dreamer. If I am Styling hair, then I am a Stylist. Even if I am just nailing scraps of leather to barn wood, as long as I am creating something that someone somewhere enjoys then that makes it Art.

Yes, even if the only person who enjoys it is me.

I do not need credentials or permission to give myself creative titles, as long as I am, in fact, CREATING SOMETHING.

And neither do you.

Multiculturalism refers to the coexistence and mutual respect of different cultural and ethnic groups within a society. Here are 8 good reasons why it’s important.

Multiculturalism is a social philosophy that recognizes and values the diversity of different cultural and ethnic groups within a society. It promotes the coexistence and mutual respect of different cultures, and emphasizes the importance of valuing and celebrating the contributions of all cultural groups. Here are 8 good reasons why it’s important.

1. Promotes diversity: Multiculturalism celebrates the diversity of cultures, languages, and traditions within a society. It recognizes that no one culture is superior to another and encourages individuals to appreciate and respect different cultures.

2. Preservation of cultural heritage: Multiculturalism encourages the preservation and sharing of cultural heritage. By recognizing and valuing the different cultures within a society, it promotes the continuation of cultural traditions, languages, and customs that may be at risk of being lost.

3. Fosters inclusivity: When a society embraces multiculturalism, it creates an inclusive environment where people from different backgrounds feel valued and included. This promotes social cohesion and reduces the potential for social division and conflict.

4. Enhances creativity and innovation: Multiculturalism encourages the sharing of ideas and perspectives from different cultural backgrounds, which can lead to innovative and creative solutions to problems.

5. Greater understanding and appreciation: Exposure to different cultures through multiculturalism can foster greater understanding and appreciation of the values, beliefs, and practices of different cultures. This can lead to a more tolerant and harmonious society.

6. Economic benefits: Multiculturalism can contribute to the economic growth of a society by creating new business opportunities, promoting trade, and attracting foreign investment.

7. Personal growth and development: Exposure to different cultures can broaden an individual's understanding of the world, increase their empathy and tolerance, and enhance their personal growth and development.

8. Interconnectedness: Multiculturalism acknowledges the interconnectedness of cultures and their histories. It recognizes that cultures are not isolated entities but are influenced by and have an impact on one another.

Is Creativity Important?                                                   

Simply put – yes - creativity is as important to our health as physical activities. It gives us the opportunity to explore new ideas, gives us new ways of thinking and allows us to problem solve. Through self expression we can create our own ‘visual’ creation of our feelings, ideas and experiences. It may manifest in a painting, a piece of pottery or a story, no matter the medium we use, the act of creating gives us many benefits.

Firstly, we become better problem solvers. How you ask? No ‘art’ form has a user manual so we have to learn new and resourceful ways to overcome a predicament in our creation, whether we are working with a physical object or a concept.

Secondly, we connect to other people creating in the same way, giving us an instant sense of belonging and community. This allows us to exchange ideas, provides feedback and a sense of connection. Creativity also helps with stress relief. When we are using our hands, minds and energy doing something we enjoy and creating something, daily life disappears as our concentration is on that particular endeavor. 

Once in the creative zone, time feels limitless and the more we immerse ourselves in it the more time we gain. We also gain a better sense of self awareness and expression. When we create we gain insights into our habits, impulses and desires, which in turn allow us to express ourselves better in our daily lives. When we create we can take risks and try new things.

Other benefits include saving money (well it can if you don’t go overboard with the creative supplies!) When we learn how to make something not only do we get a great sense of fulfillment but negate the need to buy those items. We can create specific items for family and friends, engage in community or charity projects, and maybe even sell our creations.

            Here are some benefits for various creative activities:

1.    Writing – there are many genres of writing from journaling to creating a novel. It is a vehicle of expression that can be deeply personal and allow us to voice deep seated problems or a way to formulate stories and ideas we want to share.

2.    Singing – physical benefits are correct posture and lung capacity, but it can also boost our immune system. It is also a great way to have fun and learn new music within a group.

3.    Dancing – is a fun way to get fit. It improves muscle tone, cardiovascular health, balance and coordination and can be enjoyed alone or in a social setting.

4.    Painting, drawing and sculpting – visual arts have a significant impact on the areas of the brain that process emotions, pleasure and reward and it also reduces anxiety. Although, visual art is subjective – we like what we like – the colours, shapes and textures create a pleasing experience.

5.    Playing an instrument – early musical lessons have been found to improve reading and math skills as well as improve brain functions, such as problem solving and memory retention. Apart from the fact that music is enjoyable to listen to and create.

When we ‘create’ something from scratch we get a real sense of accomplishment and the more we practice the better we become. Finding a group of people, who share our enthusiasm and support and help us when we are learning the ‘ropes’ expands our social circle, and gives us the ability to be innovative and imaginative.

There are many groups and organizations within Strathcona County that you can investigate for your particular creative interest. Here is a small selection.

1.       Writing – The Writers Foundation of Strathcona County www.wfscsherwoodpark.com

2.       Singing – The Festival Singers  http://www.festivalsingers.ca/

3.       Dance - http://www.dancefusionsp.com/

4.       Painting - https://www.artstrathcona.com/

5.       Music  - http://www.wyestringensemble.com/index.php

Now…go get started on being creative!

Written by: Mandy Eve-Barnett, Secretary, Writers Foundation of Strathcona County

The following report was submitted by ACCSC President, Ken Duncan at the ACCSC Annual General Meeting held 29 March 2023.

“It is my pleasure to present to you our year-end report for the fiscal year 2022. As you know our organization like so many others in the cultural sector was brought to its knees by Covid. It is only through the Herculean efforts by our Past President, new Board members, and assistance from our County’s Parks, Recreation and Culture department that we survived.

Every cloud has a silver lining and it is due to Covid that we were able to take stock of who we were and what our mission was. As a result of considerable soul searching and a huge amount of research we have succeeded in redefining the organization. Over the past year, we have made significant progress towards achieving our mission and goals, and we are excited to share our accomplishments with you.

Highlights of our year include:

●     We have designed and are following our guiding statement.

●     We have designed and put in place our governance model

●     We have completely overhauled our website

●     Modernized our branding

●     Obtained the Pecha Kucha license for Strathcona County

●     Held an inaugural and successful second Pecha Kucha event

●     Have created a digital map of cultural individuals, organizations and activities in the County

●     Have created a Digital Magazine with the first issue “published” on our website in December

●     Have reconnected with a number of Cultural organizations within the County

●     Have connected with the Arts Council of Edmonton

●     Have established our presence with the Alberta Federation for the Arts thus opening the door to apply for Provincial Arts Grants

●     Have established our presence with the Canada Council for the Arts which enables us to apply for Federal grants.

●     Partnered with four other cultural organizations within the County and applied for a Provincial Multiculturalism grant which was awarded in 2023. We are the lead on the project.

●     Established a partnership with MacEwan University to provide opportunities for their students to gain experience in the cultural sector.

●     Last but certainly not least, while the attendance was small, in every other way our inaugural Cultural Conference ‘Let Sparks Fly’ was a huge success.

Financially, we were able to access three County of Strathcona cultural grants in the amount of $12,000 which enabled us to carry out our activities. We are exploring means by which we can achieve financial stability and plan to report successful progress in our next report.

Our membership base was severely damaged by Covid. We believe our activities will attract and re-attract members.

Looking ahead, we plan to continue the projects we commenced in 2022.

We are pleased to be coordinating Culture Days in the County for 2023. This will be our first year in what we hope will prove to become a major event for our County.

We also plan to begin working with MacEwan to research and design a new governance model that more accurately reflects the cultural mosaic of our County. We hope to complete this project in 2024.

We will continue building on our successes from the past year to strengthen our internal and external capacity. We will increase our membership and grow existing 

and new partnerships and collaborations within the community.

We thank you for your continued support of our organization and look forward to another successful year ahead. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or feedback, as we value your input and ideas.”

OK, I’ll admit it. I’ve been curious about AI - artificial intelligence - for a while now thanks to all the buzz in recent times about how it’s going to revolutionize our daily lives (and beyond).

Apart from the many philosophical meanderings I’ve read, much hype has been around chatGPT, available at openai.com. The publicly available ai content generator So, somewhat apprehensively, I signed on to their site - it’s free - and played around for a bit.

It’s incredibly easy to use and considering we’re only at the earliest stages of this “technology,” the results were quite amazing, scary, addictive, frightening, compulsive and more.

I asked “it” some research questions, some “how to” questions and even had it compose a love poem. It was fun, along with all the adjectives I’ve just used in the previous paragraph!

I had also previously read articles about how ai had been used to create artwork and compose music, which started me thinking about the incredible impact that ai will have on our culture.

So, of course, I typed into its query box “the impact of ai on culture.”

Here’s what I got back literally seconds later.

“Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a significant impact on culture in many ways. Here are some of the ways in which AI is affecting culture:

1. Creation of new forms of art: AI is being used to create new forms of art, including music, paintings, and sculptures. These works of art are often created using algorithms that analyze data sets to produce unique and creative pieces.

2. Cultural preservation: AI is being used to preserve cultural artifacts and historical sites. For example, AI is being used to digitally restore and preserve ancient artifacts, such as the ruins of Pompeii.

3. Changes in the workplace: AI is transforming the workplace, including cultural institutions such as museums and libraries. For example, AI is being used to automate tasks such as cataloging and digitizing collections, freeing up staff time for other tasks.

4. Impact on language and communication: AI is being used to create more natural and intuitive communication systems, such as voice assistants and chatbots. This is changing the way people interact with technology and each other.

5. Impact on media and entertainment: AI is changing the way media and entertainment are produced and consumed. For example, AI is being used to personalize recommendations for TV shows, movies, and music based on an individual's preferences.

6. Ethical and social implications: As AI becomes more prevalent in culture, there are ethical and social implications to consider. These include issues related to privacy, bias, and job displacement.

Overall, the impact of AI on culture is significant and will continue to shape the way we live, work, and create.”

As I said, this took maybe a couple of seconds to download in response to my query. Is it perfect? Well perhaps not, and I could have definitely refined my query to gain a more specific and articulate response. Nevertheless, the result was pretty impressive. You be the judge….and we’ve only just begun, so think about what the years ahead hold in store!

Written by: chatGTP and Martin Povey

The stressful times we live in contribute to road rage and other nasty verbal interactions between people.

But insults in past eras were far more elaborate than the four letter words many people use today. Thanks to the English Literature Community for these examples of insults from the past.  

1. "I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; Bring a friend, if you have one."

George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill.

"Cannot possibly attend first night, I will attend the second...If there is one."

- Winston Churchill, in response.

3. "He had delusions of adequacy." - Walter Kerr

4. "I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure."

- Clarence Darrow

5. "He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary."

- William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway).

6."Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I'll waste no time reading it."

- Moses Hadas

7. "I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it."

- Mark Twain

8. "He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends.."

- Oscar Wilde

10."He is a self-made man and worships his creator."

- John Bright

11. "I've just learned about his illness. Let's hope it's nothing trivial."

- Irvin S. Cobb

12. "He is not only dull himself; he is the cause of dullness in others."

- Samuel Johnson

Throughout history, people from many different cultures and backgrounds come together and express themselves.

As with food and music, every dance style has its own history and comes from a specific part of the world.

Here are just a few of the hundreds of dance styles that exist.  

People most likely have always danced, but there's proof of it that is thousands of years old! These cave drawings from India are from 9,000 years ago.

Ballet

Ballet was first developed by European aristocrats, most notably Louis XIV of France, who was also known as the Sun King. Ballet steps are taught throughout the world in French.

Other famous figures in ballet include Marius Petipa, who choreographed classics such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker; George Balanchine, who founded the New York City Ballet and developed a distinctive, American style; and Misty Copeland, who is a leading ballerina of today and the first black, female dancer with the American Ballet Theater in New York City.

Ballet is meant to be performed, and often is set to orchestral music.The movements are precise, graceful and formal. Women often wear pointe shoes, which allows them to appear lighter and more lifted. Men often partner women, lifting them off the ground and turning them. 

Some male dancers, such as those at Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, also wear pointe shoes and partner each other. In the past fifty years, some choreographers have blended ballet with other styles such as jazz, modern and tango.

Ballet was first danced in Italy during the Renaissance and later in the royal courts of France, Russia, Denmark and England. Today, ballet is performed in opera houses and theaters all over the world. Although ballet is probably still most popular in Europe, it has been especially embraced by Cuba, Argentina, China and the United States.

Hip Hop

Hip hop was born in primarily Black and Latinx communities in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Los Angeles during the 1970s. Many people think that early hip hop movements imitated the “Good Foot” dance that James Brown performed in 1972. Michael Jackson was another early inspiration for hip hop movement.

Many early hip hop stars belonged to dance crews such as Rock Steady Crew and Chain Reaction. Hip hop dance and music are closely intertwined, and many hip hop music artists also are dancers.

There are many different forms of hip hop, including breaking, which was the first hip hop style, locking, popping, jerkin’,and krumping. Hip hop is performed as well as danced in social settings. 

Hip hop dancers also compete against one another in performances called battles. The movement is isolated, segmented, rhythmic and athletic. It often includes fast footwork and acrobatic floor movement.

Hip hop was first danced on American city streets and at parties and was closely connected to hip hop music. The first hip hop developed in the Bronx in New York City, but it quickly spread to other American cities and is now popular all over the world.

Hip hop is still danced in social and outdoor settings, but it is also featured in many music videos and on popular dance T.V. shows such as America’s Best Dance Crew and So You Think You Can Dance.

Hip hop has dominated global popular and street culture in the past few decades. Hip hop dance is seen throughout the world, including Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Popular music forms, such as K-Pop, often incorporate hip hop dance in performances and videos.

Inspired by and edited from original article at: acaaacent.dance

Have you ever wondered what the food you eat everyday can tell you about where you come from?

Have you ever wondered why people from different parts of the eat different types of food? Do you ever ask yourself why certain foods or culinary traditions are so important to your culture? There is more of a connection between food and culture than you may think.

On an individual level, we grow up eating the food of our cultures. It becomes a part of who each of us are. Many of us associate food from our childhood with warm feelings and good memories and it ties us to our families, holding a special and personal value for us. Food from our family often becomes the comfort food we seek as adults in times of frustration and stress.

When I was sick as a kid, I couldn’t eat rice because I was too weak, so my mother would cook soup and bring it to bed for me. The smell and taste of the soup became something very familiar to me. Now, whenever I feel tired or stressed, I remember the soup my mom used to make for me and I feel hungry for that soup.

On a larger scale, food is an important part of culture. Traditional cuisine is passed down from one generation to the next. It also operates as an expression of cultural identity. Immigrants bring the food of their countries with them wherever they go and cooking traditional food is a way of preserving their culture when they move to new places.

Continuing to make food from their culture for family meals is a symbol of pride for their ethnicity and a means of coping with homesickness. Many open their own restaurants and serve traditional dishes. However, the food does not remain exactly the same. For example, some ingredients needed to make traditional dishes may not be readily available, so the taste and flavor can be different from the taste and flavor of the dishes that they would prepare in their home countries.

Additionally, when immigrants sell food in another country, they do not only sell it to people from the same countries as them, but to people from different countries. Therefore, they have to alter the original dishes to cater to a wider range of customers with distinct tastes and flavor preferences. Alterations to original dishes can create new flavors that still retain the cultural significance of the dish.

What stays the same though is the extent to which each country or community’s unique cuisine can reflect its unique history, lifestyle, values, and beliefs.

In China, harmony is a vital trait in almost every aspect of life. This is reflected in Chinese cuisine, where almost every flavor (salty, spicy, sour, sweet, and bitter) is used in a balanced way creating delicious dishes with flavors that go well together.

Historically, Chinese people have an ornate style, which can be seen in their architecture and costumes, as well as in their food. They believe that food not only needs to be nutritious but also needs to look appealing, so they put a lot of effort into decorating the dishes and making them look colorful, with vibrant red as their traditional color.

The cuisine of North America reflects its history. The European colonization of the Americas yielded the introduction of European ingredients and cooking styles. Later in the 20th century, the influx of immigrants from many foreign nations developed a rich diversity in food preparation throughout the country.

As the world becomes more globalized, it is easier to access cuisines from different cultures.

We should embrace our heritage through our culture’s food but we should also become more informed about other cultures by trying their foods. It’s important to remember that each dish has a special place in the culture to which it belongs, and is special to those who prepare it. Food is a portal into culture, and it should be treated as such.

Inspired by and edited from original article by Chau B Le, freelymagazine,

https://freelymagazine.com

Music has shaped cultures and societies around the world, passed down from generation to generation.

It has the power to alter one’s mood, change perceptions, and inspire  change. While everyone has a personal relationship with music, its effects on the culture around us may not be immediately apparent. So, how does music affect society? 

Music is an essential aspect of all human civilizations and has the power to emotionally, morally, and culturally affect society. When people from one culture exchange music with each other, they gain valuable insight into another way of life.

Learning how music and social bonding are tied is especially crucial in times of conflict when other lines of communication prove to be challenging. Music, as a cultural right, may aid in the promotion and protection of other human rights. It can help in the healing process, dismantling walls and boundaries, reconciliation, and education. Around the world, music is being used as a vehicle for social change and bringing communities together.

At the core of our everyday experience with music, we use it to relax, express ourselves, come to terms with our emotions, and generally improve our well-being. It has evolved into a tool for healing and self-expression, often dictating how we, as individuals, take steps to impact society.

Why is Music Beneficial to Society?

Music has the power to connect with and influence people in a way that feels fundamentally different from other forms of communication. Humans often feel that “no one understands them” or knows how they “truly feel.” Many resort to music to find connections with others to express themselves or find a sense of understanding among peers.

How does music affect our lives?

Music has the ability to deeply affect our mental states and raise our mood. When we need it, music gives us energy and motivation. When we’re worried, it can soothe us; when we’re weary, it can encourage us; and when we’re feeling deflated, it can re-inspire us. It even functions to improve our physical health, as it’s been proven that high-tempo music results in better workouts.

We connect with others via music, especially those who produce or perform it — we recite their lyrics, dance to their melodies, and form a sense of connection through their self-expression.

Songs and melodies have the power to inspire people, guide their actions, and aid in the formation of identities. Music can unite people – even if absorbed in solitude, capture your imagination and boost creativity. A person who has been affected by music is not alone. They are among the masses trying to find their role in society and form connections with others.

Music’s Effect on Our Thoughts and Actions

Music’s effect on the self is far-reaching, tapping into our memories, subconscious thoughts, emotions, and interests. Thanks to the music artists who have put their heart and soul into creating, we feel connected with other people and their difficulties, challenges, and emotions. So much about our brains is still being discovered but through neurology, we are learning more and more about how music affects us.

We all know that being exposed to music’s beauty, rhythm, and harmony significantly influences how we feel. We also know that music emotionally impacts us, reaching into forgotten memories and connecting us to  ourselves. Music therapy is often used to improve attention and memory, and can have a positive effect on those suffering from dementia or Alzheimers. 

Music has the potential to be a powerful healing tool in a variety of ways and pervades every aspect of our existence. Songs are used to define spiritual ceremonies, toddlers learn the alphabet via rhyme and verse, and malls and restaurants, where we choose to spend our free time, are rarely silent.

But how much can this ever-present object influence our behavior and emotions? According to research, music has a significant impact on humans. It can potentially affect disease, depression, expenditure, productivity, and our outlook on life.

The impact of music on our brain is being better understood thanks to advances in neuroscience and the examination of music’s impact on the brain. It has been shown via brain scans that when we listen to or perform music, nearly all brain regions are active simultaneously. Listening to and making music may actually change the way your brain works.

The Cultural Impact of Music

Today’s popular music reflects the culture of the day. But, how does music affect society over time? How has music changed over the past century? In the lyrics and sound of each era, we can discern the imprints of a particular generation and see history in the making. And, in this day and age, culture is changing faster than ever before, mirroring musical forms that are evolving and emerging at the same rate.

For decades, the effects of music on society have been a source of contention, and it seems that with each generation, a new musical trend emerges that has the previous generations saying, “Well back in my day, we had…”. Music and social movements are intrinsically linked together.

Almost every popular kind of music was considered scandalous back in the day, and the dancing that accompanied jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and hip-hop drew protests and boycotts from all around. Just look at The Beatles, who were considered scandalous by the older generation when they first arrived on the music scene.

While we may not like a new music trend or a particular genre of music, we must also take a step back and appreciate how lucky we are to be exposed to it at all. Music in some parts of the world is not as easily accessible. While music has always been a means of pushing the boundaries of expression, it’s clear that the world isn’t expressing itself in the same way. The various musical trends we’ve seen in just this lifetime provide an insightful look into what is and isn’t being discussed in some cultures.

Music as an Agent for Change

Another essential factor to consider is how strongly music influences society and, thus, human behavior. Music’s impact on human rights movements and its role as an agent for change is clear in the history books. One example is the impact of the “freedom songs” of the Civil Rights movement, such as “We Shall Overcome” and “Strange Fruit.” These songs broke down barriers, educated people, built empathy across the divide, and had a hand in ending segregation. Music today continues to shed light on the inequalities experienced by people worldwide, and it’s clear that music will never stop acting as an agent for change.

Because of how strong of an influence melodies and lyrics have on society, we must be acutely aware of our current culture. Still, more importantly, we must be conscious of the cultures we wish to build and develop via our music. Songs have the power to change the world in unexpected ways, challenging preconceived notions and shedding light on issues that have historically been ignored.

Inspired by and edited from the original article by Lia Peralta, Save the Music Foundation.

https://www.savethemusic.org

The main difference between graffiti and street art is that graffiti typically includes letters and words, whereas street art includes images. 

Graffiti and street art are art we can see in public places like outside walls of buildings and walkways. They are free to view. Artists often use their work as a form of political and social commentary and activism. Despite these similarities, there are some differences between graffiti and street art.

What is Graffiti

Graffiti is writing, or drawings scratched, scribbled, or sprayed illegally on a wall or other surface in a public place. Since it involves an unauthorized marking of public space, it’s considered a form of vandalism. 

Some consider graffiti as anti-social behavior as a form of thrill-seeking or to gain attention.

Graffiti often involves spray painting. It typically represents rebellion and is the visual language of the unheard. People also associated graffiti with hip-hop culture. It started in urban America during the mid 20th century. Philadelphia and New York were the centers of this art form.

The common perception of graffiti is that it’s spray painting on public walls by members of street gangs. This is because gang members sometimes use graffiti as a form of marking their territory. But in the modern world, people are gradually starting to recognize graffiti as a form of art. However, it is still not universally accepted as art.

What is Street Art

Street art is visual art created in public places, such as sidewalks, exterior walls of buildings, and highway overpasses. We can usually observe street art in urban areas. Street art can involve different media, including spray painting, mosaic tiling, stencil art, LED art, sticker art, wheatpasting, woodblocking, yarn bombing, Lock On sculptures, and rock balancing. Berlin wall in Germany, Batman’s Alley and Morro da Providencia in Brazil, streets of New York city, and West Bank wall of Palestine are some popular places for street art.

Although street art has its origin in graffiti, it is different from graffiti in terms of its perception. Artists generally create street art to convey a message to the public. These messages are often political ideas or social commentaries that raise the awareness of the public. Some street artists have even gained international fame and have moved into mainstream art. Unlike graffiti, street artists may create art with permission (from the owners of the building) and even through commissions.

Difference Between Graffiti and Street Art

Definition

Graffiti is writing, or drawings scratched, scribbled, or sprayed illegally on a wall or other surface in a public place, while street art is visual art created in public places.

Permission

Graffiti is usually created without permission and is seen as a form of vandalism, but street art may be created with permission or on commission as well.

Media

Graffiti mainly uses spray painting, while street art involves a variety of media like spray painting, mosaic tiling, stencil art, LED art, sticker art, and yarn bombing.

Visual Content

While graffiti is letter-based, street art is image-based. In other words, graffiti tends to have some letterings, while street arts have a wider range of visuals and are often similar to traditional murals.

Public Perception

Some people associate graffiti with gangs, vandalism, and violence, so graffiti tends to have a negative image among people, whereas street art has a more positive perception than graffiti.

Inspired by and edited from the original article by Hasa, Pediaa.com.