Rektify - Changing minds and Communities

Rektify is a Rotorua Youth Centre (RYC), graffiti art, anti-crime programme.

Young people with no direction or mentored activity are the ones who are tagging and vandalising the streets. Rektify is a programme that has been designed in response to the graffiti vandalism epidemic on the buildings and properties around Rotorua, this epidemic causes hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to the community.

This RYC alternative is designed to get them engaged in an activity that is positive, it addresses issues in a safe environment, highlighting the possibilities and opportunities areosol art has to offer and steers them towards the art form rather then the illegal and negative elements of vandalism.

This programme is run by skilled facilitators and mentors who are respected artists and youth workers known locally and nationally, they will deliver the Rektify programme at the RYC facility in a save, positive and fun learning environment.

In a positive environment where the youth are able to express themselves, and participate in a workshop environment completing various activites targeting the development and growth of themselves and learning the knowledge of aerosol art. Time will be dedicated to target all issues around the negatives of vandalism and how to channel those negatives and positives through responsibility as a member of the community. A final exhibition of the students work will be the climax of the programme where each participants will present their work, this presentation will be promoted through the media.

Programme outline: Rektify is a six week programme, delivered two hours a week for a maximum of ten students, with workshops covering:

* Drawing, creativity, letter structure, colour concepts, design techniques and styles.

* Event management and planning.

* Research, history, street art production in the community on small or large scales.

* Personal development sessions, mentoring youth to engage in more positive activites, community responsibilities and social understanding.

Benefits include life skills such as communication, time management, goal setting, mentoring, organization skills, awareness of community responsibility, problem solving, researching skills, practice in personal development.