What is “Graffiti for Kids”?
“Graffiti for Kids” is a creative workshop for girls and boys in Zurich that combines language learning with street art. The aim is to encourage children to discuss art and design, build confidence, and use English in an authentic situation outside the classroom.
Unlike traditional graffiti courses for kids in Zurich, our workshop deliberately focuses on using English as the language of instruction. This way, children expand their vocabulary in a playful way while sketching and spraying with peers, and learning to discuss street artists such as Banksy.
Why graffiti?
Art is a language, and graffiti is far more than paint on concrete. Street art often carries a hidden sense of humour or social commentary. The creative process encourages children to discuss colours, shapes and design. At the same time, painting makes it possible to express yourself in an abstract way and translate inner experiences into form and colour.
For children growing up in Zurich, the local street-art scene—from the Rote Fabrik and the Viadukt to the legal graffiti walls at Letten—offers a vibrant backdrop for combining artistic and language learning.
At the school (10:00–12:00, 120 min)
The workshop starts at our language school at Selnaustrasse 2 in the heart of Zurich. The children are introduced to the world of graffiti art: from the history of street art and Banksy to basic vocabulary around spray cans, stencils and tags. They then sketch their own designs and discuss them in the group—all in English. A strong emphasis is placed on positive feedback: the girls and boys learn to reflect constructively and encourage one another.
Express Your Interest
Graffiti Workshop for Kids in Zurich
At Rote Fabrik (12:30–15:00, 150 min.)
After lunch, we'll go together to the Rote Fabrik on Lake Zurich – one of the most famous street art spots in Zurich. Here, the kids will visit the graffiti gallery and then realize their own designs with spray cans. Under professional guidance, they'll learn spray techniques, work with stencils, and experience the thrill of spraying and leaving their own work on a real wall.
Express Your Interest
Graffiti Workshop for Kids in Zurich
More details about the workshop
Part 1: 120 min at the school
- Introduction to the topic with photos and images
- Discussion of likes & dislikes
- Who is Banksy? What does he do for a living?
- Graffiti vocabulary
- Drawing
- Group feedback with an emphasis on the positive aspects
Part 2: 150 min at the Rote Fabrik
- Introduction to the rules of conduct
- Tour of the graffiti gallery
- Painting & spraying your own design
- Discussion & feedback
Children learn to discuss, reflect and articulate feedback in English. No prior knowledge is required.
- Dates: monthly on request! Get in touch with us.
- Time: 10 AM–3 PM
- Price: CHF 220 (including materials)
- Age: 9–12 or 13–15 years
The “Rote Fabrik” and Zurich street art
The practical part of the workshop takes place at the Rote Fabrik, one of Zurich’s best-known cultural venues. The former factory building on Lake Zurich in Wollishofen has been a centre for alternative art and culture since the 1980s. Today it is home to a vibrant open-air graffiti gallery. Our workshop children experience street art up close here, view existing works and then, under professional guidance, spray their own designs onto real walls.
Zurich itself has a rich graffiti tradition—from the Züri sprayer Harald Naegeli to contemporary artists such as REDL, who paints powerful female figures on Zurich façades. Our workshop kids therefore become part of this story.
Other language courses for kids
In addition to the graffiti workshop, Wordculture specialises in language courses for children based on the latest educational approaches and taught by experienced native-speaking teachers. In our children’s courses, there’s lots of crafting, painting and singing to support language acquisition in a natural way.
We also offer summer camps during the school summer holidays, as well as a unique family programme with childcare. All our courses take place at our language school at Selnaustrasse 2 in Zurich, conveniently located between Zurich Main Station and Stadelhofen, right next to Paradeplatz.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need to speak English well to take part in the workshop?
No. The workshop is suitable for all levels. Whether beginner or advanced, children are encouraged to use their English actively. The course leader adapts the level to the group.
Does my child need any prior artistic experience?
No. The workshop is designed for beginners. Children are guided step by step, from the first pencil stroke to the finished spray can. The teacher is an experienced artist, art educator and English teacher from Sydney.
What does my child need to bring?
Please wear clothes that can get dirty. All materials (spray cans, stencils, pens) are included in the price.
Where does the workshop take place?
Vormittags findet der theoretische Teil in der Sprachschule (Wordculture, Selnaustrasse 2, Zürich) statt. Nachmittags findet der praktische Teil in der Roten Fabrik am Zürichsee statt. The group travels together to the Rote Fabrik.
Is the workshop also available in other languages?
At the moment, the graffiti workshop is only available in English. If you’re interested in a German-language workshop, just contact us.
Can my child learn other languages at Wordculture too?
Yes. Wordculture bietet viele Kindersprachkurse an, z.B. Chinesisch, Deutsch, Englisch, Französisch, Italienisch, Japanisch, Spanisch, Russisch sowie Sprachen-Camps in den Sommerschulferien.