Graffiti prevention program aims to steer youth into arts

Calgary police are teaming up with the city and a local charity to try to put a stop to graffiti vandalism.

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The Up the Wall program will give young people accused of graffiti-related offences the opportunity to explore the arts in other ways.

The program is a joint initiative of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary, Calgary Police Service, city bylaw services and the city's culture unit.

Up the Wall will engage youth through relationship-based case management, addressing some of the root causes of crime as youth begin to explore issues of social justice, the history ofgraffiti, youth voice and positive civic engagement facilitated through artistic self-expression, the city said in a release.

The 12-week program will be offered three times a year for six hours perweek beginning in early June.

Graffitivandalism affects communities throughout Calgary. Not only does it cost taxpayers and landowners millions of dollars to remove, it impacts the perception of safety of citizens and visitors, and can lead to other crime if not dealt with quickly, the city said.

The pilot project is scheduled to run for up to two years and then be evaluated.