A Sample Proposal on ”Youth Street Art for Social Inclusion in Bogotá, Colombia”

Introduction 

Urban youth in marginalized communities often face multiple barriers to social inclusion, including unemployment, limited access to quality education, social stigma, and exposure to violence. In many cases, young people lack safe platforms to express their voices, share their experiences, and actively contribute to shaping their communities.

In Bogotá, street art has evolved into a powerful form of civic expression and cultural identity. Across Colombia, murals and graffiti have become tools for memory, peacebuilding, and social commentary, particularly in the post-conflict era. Public art in Bogotá not only beautifies neighborhoods but also creates space for dialogue on issues such as inequality, gender-based violence, environmental protection, and human rights.

This project recognizes street art as a transformative social instrument. By engaging marginalized youth in structured artistic training, community dialogue, and public mural creation, the initiative will promote social cohesion, positive youth development, and inclusive urban spaces. Through participatory processes, young people will transition from being perceived as vulnerable or at-risk to becoming creative leaders and changemakers in their communities.

The “Walls of Change” initiative seeks to harness Bogotá’s vibrant street art culture to foster belonging, empowerment, and long-term opportunities for youth while strengthening relationships between communities and local institutions.

 Background and Rationale

Bogotá is internationally recognized for its vibrant urban art scene, where murals and graffiti have become powerful tools for storytelling, memory, and social transformation. Following years of internal conflict and social inequality in Colombia, street art has emerged as a medium for youth expression, reconciliation, and civic engagement.

However, many young people in marginalized neighborhoods face unemployment, exclusion, and limited access to formal arts education. Community-based creative programs can offer safe spaces for dialogue, skills development, and positive identity formation.

Organizations such as UNESCO recognize creative expression as a key driver of social inclusion and urban development. This project seeks to harness Bogotá’s dynamic street art culture to promote youth empowerment, peacebuilding, and community cohesion.

 Project Goal

To promote social inclusion, youth empowerment, and community dialogue through structured street art and mural programs in Bogotá.

 Objectives

• Engage 400 marginalized youth (ages 15–28) in structured street art training.
• Create 30 community murals addressing themes of peace, inclusion, gender equality, and environmental awareness.
• Strengthen collaboration between youth, local authorities, and community organizations.
• Develop pathways for youth into creative industries and cultural entrepreneurship.
• Foster positive public perceptions of street art as a tool for social transformation.

 Target Beneficiaries

• At-risk youth in low-income neighborhoods
• Young women and Afro-Colombian and Indigenous youth
• Local community leaders and residents

Indirect beneficiaries: Local schools, neighborhood associations, cultural institutions

Key Activities

• Street Art Training Workshops
  • Graffiti and mural techniques
  • Visual storytelling and community history
  • Peacebuilding and conflict transformation through art
  • Leadership and teamwork development
• Community Co-Design Sessions
  • Participatory mural theme selection
  • Intergenerational dialogue forums
  • Inclusion of local cultural symbols and narratives
• Public Mural Creation
  • Collaborative painting events
  • Neighborhood art festivals
  • Documentation of artistic processes
•  Creative Career Pathways
  • Entrepreneurship and branding workshops
  • Portfolio development
  • Linkages with galleries, creative hubs, and festivals
  • Internships with professional muralists
•  Public Awareness & Advocacy
  • Social media campaigns
  • Exhibitions and photo documentation
  • Dialogue events with policymakers

 Implementation Timeline (18 Months)

 Expected Outcomes

• Increased youth participation in civic life
• Strengthened community cohesion and dialogue
• Enhanced artistic and entrepreneurial skills among participants
• Improved neighborhood environments through public art
• Reduced stigma toward marginalized youth

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Participation and completion rates
• Number and quality of murals completed
• Youth self-confidence and social inclusion surveys
• Community perception assessments
• Media and digital engagement tracking

Sustainability Strategy

• Establishment of youth art collectives
• Partnerships with local cultural institutions
• Revenue generation through commissioned murals
• Integration with city cultural development programs

 Estimated Budget (Sample – Medium Scale)

Conclusion

Street art in Bogotá represents more than aesthetic expression—it is a vehicle for dialogue, empowerment, and reconciliation. By providing structured training, community collaboration, and entrepreneurial pathways, this project will transform public spaces into platforms for inclusion and positive youth development.