Change the image of a neighbourhood

On 28 February 2015, some 130 persons participated in the guided tour of Quinta do Mocho neighbourhood conducted by the C4i team of Loures, Portugal, together with local artists and youth. In October 2014, breath-taking frescos were painted on 33 buildings in the neighbourhood, with the help of 2000 artists and local residents, 25 NGOs and 43 private companies. That is how the area was transformed in a Public Art Gallery. The aim of this 3 days’ intervention, known as “O Bairro I o Mundo” (the neighborhood and the world), was to change the image of the “stigmatized” neighbourhood which used to be considered as dangerous, destroy prejudices against its residents from diverse backgrounds and increase self-esteem, interaction and the sense of belonging to the neighbourhood.

Since October 2014, the C4i team in Loures managed 46 visits, from enterprises and artists: 28 guided tours and 18 media tours – including interviews for newspapers, television, radio and internet. In addition, at least 80 news items from around the world covered the neighbourhood regeneration process.

The evaluation of the initiative, made through empirical observation and an extensive survey, demonstrated that it has contributed to fostering social cohesion and local development through cultural expression. Furthermore, it contributed to changing the image of the neighbourhood and increased perception of safety. As a resident of a near-by wealthier area posted on the “O Bairro I o Mundo” facebook page, thanks to the event, she had overcome her fear of visiting Quinta do Mocho, after 10 years’ living “on the other side of the avenue.” So, with her family, she just crossed the street to see the frescos.

Another guided tour of Quinta do Mocho will take place on 28 March 2015. Children will be trained to offer a guided tour of the Public Art Gallery in the neighbourhood, which reached 3000 likes on the “O Bairro I o Mundo” facebook page.