A study of youth violence, prevention research, and a multimedia arts model

This thesis investigates two multimedia arts projects in Washington D.C. and Fairfax County, Virginia which have developed violence prevention models. The study begins with an overview of the nature of violence, as well as causes and characteristics of youth violence. Chapter two focuses on violence prevention through a public health model and social development strategy. Section three examines the efforts and programs of National Stop Youth Violence In America, Inc. (NSYVIA) and U.S. Kids TV. This section documented a video project developed by high school students in Washington, D.C and a visual arts project developed for elementary school students. The project provided an accumulation of arts projects created by these students as they examined the violence in their community. Their development, and specific projects were reviewed and analyzed. The final section explored ways these arts projects were used to educate students and create future coalitions for violence prevention in the schools and local communities. The conclusion contained a summation of the ways the above projects have used the arts and presented questions for future research pertaining to youth violence.