Graffiti Project (Rio de Janeiro)

Project Summary

Travel to one of the most exciting cities in the world and work with local artists teaching and learning graffiti from them. The street art is very popular in Rio and can be seen in many places. For many, graffiti is an art as well as an outpouring. Share your passion and experience of graffiti art with the locals. You can learn and work with community leaders and activists and give younger artists inspiration. The project will also give volunteers excellent opportunity to learn about Brazilian culture.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers will need to bring in their own paint, brushes and other painting accessories. You will work alongside local artists to learn and teach the art, as well as to paint on the streets of Rio. You will also learn about the political, social and economic importance of graffiti in Rio. The local artists can be both young and old, or new learners and professionals. The details of the projects, including where to go and when to do graffiti will be provided when the program is finalized.

Skills/Qualifications

Volunteers must be familiar with graffiti and know the basics of it. You must also have a strong passion for it. Basic Portuguese is not required but recommended. Volunteers must also be flexible, open minded and resourceful.

Project Location:

This project is located in one of the largest favelas in Rio de Janeiro. These favelas were known for high crime rate but due to the police action and the police presence, the crime scene is virtually non-existence now. Poverty, however, remains entrenched in the favelas as usually it's the low-income families that settle in the favelas.

When not at the project volunteers will have plenty to do in their free time. Volunteers can soak up some sun at one of Rio's famous beaches, or go hiking in one of the largest in urban parks in the world. You can go see the wonderful views from Corcovado or Sugar Loaf. There is also excellent nightlife to experience as well as museums and theatres throughout the city. All of these activities are available through Rio's extensive public transportation system.

For safety reasons, always be aware of where you are going and the best time to go. Ask the local coordinator or trustworthy locals if ever in doubt or need more information.