This summer, Pao Arts Center and BCNC’s Youth Center partnered on a 6-week youth mural creation project, a Mural and Media Program, which provided 19 youth an enriching exploration of Asian American and Boston Chinatown history, advocacy, public speaking, and the transformative power of mural art and media. This program was funded by the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement Weaving Well-being Initiative. The program engaged youth in workshops on collective care, community activism, and leadership training, culminating in the installation of Chinatown's Glowing Lanterns at BCNC Boston’s site at 38 Ash Street, Boston.

Engaging the Community

Under the theme “Collective Actions to Help Build a Healthy Chinatown,” youth received a historical overview of Chinatown and community activism from Tufts University Tisch Summer Scholar Emily Pham, and volunteer Melanie Chermin. Guest speakers Cindy Liu from Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Heang Rubin from CHIC Community Engagement Consulting, taught workshops on activism through research and the development of Chinatown’s cultural plan. In addition to learning about civic engagement, youth engaged in intergenerational learning and improved their presentation skills. Youth conducted their own Chinatown tours to BCNC Red Oak summer camp children.

Photographer Nick Eddinger held media training and video production workshops encouraging creativity and self-expression through mockumentary exercises. Next, youth worked with art educator and muralist Nell Valle on design thinking, public art and mural-making, and creative drawing. Collectively, the group used learnings from their interviews with seniors to design a mural. They worked with Nell to paint and install the mural.

The summer ended with a celebration, during which the youth presented their murals, final videos, and artist statements to local community members. The mural, titled “Chinatowns Glowing Lanterns,” provides a symbol of hope and unity within the community as well as a testament to the youth’s creativity, dedication, and commitment to making a positive impact.

After this summer project:

• 83% of youth participants see public art as a powerful tool for activism;

• 75% feel a deeper sense of belonging in their community; and

• 92% learned to tell stories through digital media and gained newfound confidence in public speaking.

As these young advocates continue to engage with their community, they carry with them valuable lessons and inspire others to create a healthier, more vibrant Chinatown. A warm congratulations to our youth leaders who worked collaboratively and diligently on these projects: Vivian, Alex, Annie, Yeqing, Kevin, Ruiming, Nathen, Felix, Jiaying, Sareen, Sarah, Elly, Elaine, Angie, Brian, Zijian, Hugh, Mayka, and Cristiana.