Talking Points: Chalk Riot

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How can public art positively impact a community?

Chalk Riot began as a group of friends sharing joy in their community through chalk drawings on neighbourhood pavements. What started as simple acts of creativity grew into a movement encouraging neighbours to connect, share stories, and celebrate their shared spaces. Their mission is to unite, protect, and energise the cities we love, starting from the ground up.

Find out what Chalk Riot do and how they create using the sources below, then discuss the questions provided.

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Chalk Art

With beginnings in the 16th century, chalk art has long adorned pavements in communities across the world. It began with the religious street-painting tradition of Madonnari in Italy and over time, has evolved into a vibrant form of public expression. Today, artists and collectives such as Chalk Riot use chalk art to energise public spaces, foster connection, and help communities reclaim and protect their environments.

Explore the videos below and use the questions to inspire classroom discussion.

Chalk Riot

Find out what Chalk Riot does in public spaces and the impact it has on the community.

Questions to Ask Children

Where in your community would you like to make a chalk drawing?

How can chalk drawings change the way a space looks, or how people interact with the space?

What kind of message might you leave for someone else to find?

How does public art bring the community together?