WHAT IS PAINT THE STREETS?
XR Youth Los Angeles is leading a campaign to Paint The Streets with messages of environmental justice. Our ongoing campaign will raise awareness of the intersectionality of racial and climate justice in our communities.
We are centering our messaging on environmental racism that impacts our local communities: the California water crisis, the toxic air pollution that gives Los Angeles the worst air quality in the country, dangerous fossil fuel infrastructure disproportionately affecting communities of color, and L.A.’s cement jungles. We will be:
chalking
wheatpasting
stickering
banner dropping
putting up yard signs
…and creating other socially distanced acts of artistic civil disobedience, all from our homes and local communities. RESOURCES AND HOW-TO’S ARE AVAILABLE BELOW
WHERE SHOULD I BE PAINTING?
Anywhere you can! Really. Even if you can’t leave the house, there are tons of options - scroll down to see suggestions. Please keep in mind the potential legal consequences of putting up semi-permanent art.
It’s best to put up your messages where people will see them and they have a good chance of staying up for a little while.
If you want to participate with other XRLA members during the month of September, we’ll be Chalking the Strand every Saturday.
WHEN SHOULD I PAINT
Until the Crisis is over! But especially this month. Join us Saturdays in September to collectively Chalk the Strand or go on solo or friend missions.
Time of day probably depends on how secret your activities need to be…
HOW CAN I SHARE MY ART?
Share your art by posting a photo of your actions with the hashtag #PaintTheStreets!
We demand a just transition that prioritizes the most vulnerable people and Indigenous sovereignty.
Actions
GUIDELINES:
If you are going outside of your home for the action, make sure to wear a mask and practice social distancing. We must treat every crisis as a crisis. It is also important to know which actions are and are not legal, and to know your risks.
ACTION SUGGESTIONS (how-to’s below):
STENCILS
Learn how to make stencils here or here
CHALKING
Evoke your inner child with some pavement or wall art. For example chalk the bike path running through LA with your message. Learn how to make spray chalk here.
WHEATPASTING
Put up your posters anywhere using biodegradable paste. Learn HOW TO HERE
FLYERS
Hang up (brightly colored) flyers throughout your neighborhood, tape ‘em up, staple them to telephone poles (check your local regulations)
HOUSE BANNER DROP
Hang a banner from your home exploring relevant topics (i.e. intersectionality between M4BL & the Climate Crisis)
WINDOW ART
Paint your windows with relevant topics
YARD SIGNS
Put up yard signs with your message
STICKERING
Post stickers on street lamps, benches, etc.
STATUE (re)DECORATION
Decorate local statues with climate signs
GRIEF ALTAR
Make a public altar for your climate grief
SHOES TRIBUTE
A tribute to symbolize lives lost to environmental racism
APPAREL
Make a t-shirt, mask, and more displaying your message
