Messages submitted by youth from the Children's Friendship Project for Northern Ireland for the U.S. Department of State-sponsored collaborative mural created by Xavier Cortada Click here to return to the main project page About the process: Mr. Cortada uses a special technique that incorporates participant's actual writings and drawings into his murals. Each person is asked to express himself or herself by writing or drawing on a separate piece of paper. These messages are then glued into three canvas panels around an image designed by Mr. Cortada himself. Through this method, voices are united by common concerns. Every participant is encouraged to write (preferably with permanent ink) or draw a message on one side of a piece of white paper no larger than 3 inches by 4 inches.  The messages will focus on how youth have learned to respect or celebrate diversity. Using this technique, Mr. Cortada has traveled to four continents, addressing issues such as drug abuse, underage drinking, gang violence, poverty, AIDS, community development, political freedom, and human rights. More information about this process is available by visiting the artist's website, www.cortada.com/conference.