In 2006 two artists coined the idea of painting murals on buildings in the slums of Brazil. Favela Painting, supported by the Firmeza Foundation, has been going strong ever since. Their intention is to "use art and color as a tool to inspire, create beauty, combat prejudice and attract attention". What is inspiring about this project is that the community really gets involved, consequently building stronger social cohesion within the slums.
"Using a grassroots-based bottom-up approach has proven to be a key factor in the success and final results. In order to generate support and approval for their activities, the artists always make the favela their home. By spending their time within the local community, they’re able to connect to their surroundings more easily, winning the hearts and minds of people. In their point of view, the inhabitants of the favela are a legitimate part of the city, but not seen that way from the outside. Using these beliefs, they work with the locals to paint the artworks, literally helping them changing the face of their community. Over the years, inhabitants of the favela’s have become aware of this method, and are actively requesting their favela to be turned into an artwork".
Santa Marta, Rio de Janeiro before (above) and after (below) the project.
Perhaps this method could become widely implemented across many underdeveloped communities of the world, strengthening relationships through art.
For more info go to: http://www.favelapainting.com/
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