VBPD art project elevates expression of area youth
Can art really make a difference in our lives? Can a police department inspire the youth of its community to create something positive while building trust through collaboration?
It is my belief that the answer to both are the exact same. I’ll share my answer at the end.
During the early planning phases of constructing the newest Virginia Beach Police precinct, in the Kempsville district, the design team focused on the functionality of the building and its surrounding area — requiring the structure to support community engagement and accessibility options. Working from a blank canvas, to use an art analogy, the concept of the Art Walk project was conceived. Making it happen was the challenge.
This project started with a vision to create a venue for community engagement that could leverage public art in a meaningful and influential way.
We sought to focus on group inclusion and diversity of thought and expression through the imagination of the youth of our community.
First, the concept. We needed to explain what we wanted to accomplish and why. We wanted to challenge the students at Brandon, Larkspur, Kempsville and Salem middle schools along with the students at Kempsville, Green Run, Salem and Tallwood high schools to design and create artwork to be displayed outside of the newly built 4th Precinct.
We dubbed the project, “Art Walk.” The goal was to strengthen the relationship between our students and the men and women of the VBPD. We sought to develop individual relationships, to break down misperceptions, advance transparency and procedural justice through constructive dialogue that would foster a positive future for all people.
Virginia Beach is a welcoming and inclusive community. We take great pride in our country and our city, and we respect our neighbors. It was our desire to have our high school and middle school students help in creating artistic images that reflect that basic theme.
The Virginia Beach City Public Schools administration was briefed and agreed to participate. In addition, the Virginia Beach Art Commission and Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs were consulted and approved the concepts, while the Virginia Beach Public Works agreed to build the mural framing structures.
Does art make a difference? Its power to move us collectively or individually remains a subjective construct that I leave to the reader to decide.
If it’s free, does it have value? From my perspective, it is precisely because it is free that it holds the most value. There is no pretense to public art. Its value is individualized. Is it a waste of money? You make that call.
The equity that is gained by this public amenity and the outcome of positive community-policing relationships are infinite. The answer to my earlier question above is not complex or in need of additional clarity.
Art can make a difference. The art on display at the 4th Precinct absolutely makes a statement that confirms its value. Lastly, yes, the police can help shape our youth in a very positive way.
The voices and expressions of the youngest of our community are as important as any in our society; we only have to pay attention and listen.
Through art and dreams of brighter days, there will be a place for all to view, be moved and aspire to create a reality that has yet to be achieved.
We encourage all to come by and see first-hand what the vision of our future looks like through the expression of our next generation.
Deputy Chief Patrick Gallagher