Community Improvement Through Street Art

Street art, without a doubt, is having its moment of acceptance in mainstream culture. Some artists are enjoying worldwide fame and some even fortune like Obey, who went from street artist to clothing designer. Another example of this jump from the street into commercial limelight is Bruno Big, who is the designing force behind the "Ousadia Alegria" cleats worn by FC Barcelona winger, Neymar Jr.

But even with these levels of commercial success, some question if street art is a bona fide art style or just visual disruption in the streets of urban areas. But whatever your position is on the topic of street art, there is one aspect of street art I consider very important and perhaps unknown by some: the power of street art as a way to build and improve communities. 

Santa Marta Favela, Brazil 2015 || Photo by Katherine Gomez
Initiative by the Let's Colour Project to improve, inspire and preserve
the Santa Marta favela in Rio, once considered the most dangerous in Rio.

There are various groups who are working to inject color in impoverished communities as a means to improve the community and build a sense of pride for the neighborhood and, by extent, diminish crime. The hope is that by including residents in the creation of the murals, residents will feel a sense of ownership for the work. This will empower and inspire the residents to continue and maintain the esthetic improvements done to the community. These are a few projects making a positive and significant impact in the lives of many.

• Terron Coloreado 
• Let's Colour Project 
• Favela Painting and Other Projects 
• Not a Crime 
•  BoaMistura

These projects not only serve to improve the exterior appearance of the communities, they are also involved in teaching the residents different employable trade skills like screen printing, typography, sewing, and fashion design; "Projecto Queto," in Brazil, or "Not a Crime" in Harlem, NY, intent to inspire youngsters through their murals to read and pursuit higher education. 

The heart and source of inspiration of the street art movement will always be the streets. It is in those impoverished areas where the reflection and sentiments of the community can be found on the walls. And in a way, this is how street artists are trying to give back in appreciation to those communities.