In early 2022, we stepped in to revamp a government school in Indiranagar. Government schools have distorted figures of Dora and Doraemon painted all over them, which are of no economical value to the children. We stepped in to change the murals of the school with professions as our central theme- to give the children something bigger than their circles to dream about. A moodboards to work harder to achieve their dreams. The only problem was a lack of sponsorship and funds! 

That was also how Wall as your Canvas was born- a workshop that teaches you the art of mural painting, a place where you can create collaborative art, which has an impact over every on looker. The first school we painted has a space cadet overlooking it. We also noticed the students of the school trying to steal paint to paint. on their own later on! The head mistress scolded them for the same, and continued to apologise to us. She told us how there is no art class for the children, because they lack the funds to get any materials for it. 

 

That was when it struck us. Most government school lack the funds for art supplies, let alone an arts programme. ART, is generally disregarded as stereotypically, most. people believe that it ads no value to the curriculum. We instantly started devising an experience that was tailored- not only to appease to our participants, but also to involve the children in the process of making their school beautiful. The children get to interact with professionals and hear their stories while having a fun time painting with them! Our first such venture was in Bapuji High School, Magadi Road on the occasion of Independence Day, 2023. 50 kids and 100 participants coloured 20 whole walls over a span of 3 hours! 

Of all the events that we cater to, the event that we are most proud about is this Government School Ventures. We stand apart in our work by not just asking our volunteers to paint, but by also including the children in the schools to paint with us! We pioneered in this field by teaching children how to paint and at the same time have them interact with people outside their circles to explore other career opportunities while painting! 

This is what Wall as your Canvas aimed to do from the very beginning!