Can Art Change the World? Foundation

2024 was a year for the books... the school books! 65% of all Inside Out Actions last year were led by students. 90 installations took place in 23 countries across all continents! Check out some highlights of last year’s incredible Education Actions! ???? The Inside Out Project team has been focusing its efforts on bringing the Project to as many schools and youth organizations as possible. We help educators and students from around the world to use Inside Out as a tool for self-expression, empowering young participants to use their voices and speak up about topics they hold close to their hearts. Thanks to your support and participation our Education program continues to grow! Reach out to [email protected] and bring the Inside Out Project to your community this 2025. ???

In October 2007, JR visited Kibera, a slum in Nairobi, Kenya, to photograph and interview women for the first Women Are Heroes project. Kibera and its railway were symbolic: Nairobi was built around this line, later damaged during the 2008 post-election riots. In 2009, JR returned, covering a train with the women’s eyes and 2,000 square meters of rooftops with their portraits. For the first time, water-resistant materials were used, allowing the photos to protect the fragile homes from heavy rains, turning art into both a statement and a shelter. Women Are Heroes grew far beyond Kibera, amplifying the voices and stories of women in countries like such as Cambodia, India, and Sierra Leone, and many more. Through monumental public art installations, the project honors their courage, resilience, and crucial role in society.

An island reachable only by pirogue, and 160 children with a story to tell. Discover how the Inside Out Project brought the community of Rogbanet together through powerful mosaics of portraits across the village. https://lnkd.in/eFaDwUia

Since 2011, the Inside Out Project has empowered over 100,000 students, from ages 3 to 21, to share their voices through their portraits. From Argentina to Ghana, educators are turning their classrooms into spaces of transformation, using art, storytelling, and representation to ignite change locally and inspire connections globally. Ready to bring the Project to your school? Email us at [email protected] and we'll help you get started!

Meet Esmeralda, six years old and a bright spirit at Casa Amarela! ?? "What I like most here? I like studying, I like learning, I like learning everything," she said with an unstoppable grin. Between dance, boxing, and the violin she’s almost ready to play, there’s no shortage of new things to try. And at Casa Amarela, it’s not just her mind that’s fed—"I fill my belly so I don’t get hungry," she added, knowing she has everything she needs to keep exploring and growing in the favela and beyond. ?? Learn more about our work in the Morro da Providência territory: https://lnkd.in/emXW8zcs

Did you know Rio de Janeiro has its very own moon? ?? Perched on the roof of Casa Amarela, this iconic structure is just one part of a center that is transforming lives in the Brazilian capital. Founded in 2009 by Brazilian photographer Maurício Hora and French artist JR, Casa Amarela Providência is the longest-running program of the Can Art Change the World? Foundation. Nestled in the heart of Rio’s Morro da Providência favela, Casa Amarela serves as a vibrant hub of Culture, Education, and Arts for residents of all ages. Through arts-based education, wellness, and culturally responsive programs, the center nurtures holistic growth, healing, and well-being within the community. Learn more about Casa Amarela and the other programs at Can Art Change the World? on our website: https://lnkd.in/dgBNq2Z7

Driven by the belief that education can change lives, a school community in Lubumbashi, DRC, came together to make their voices heard through the?Inside Out Project. With nearly 200 portraits, their Action highlights the importance of educating girls in a region where 49.5 million are out of school, according to UNESCO. “The Next Generation of Leaders” is one of the many powerful Actions born from the Inside Out Project since its inception in 2011. With over half a million participants worldwide, Inside Out serves as a platform for individuals and communities to share their stories and advocate for causes they are passionate about through public art. The?Inside Out Project?is a cornerstone of the Can Art Change the World? Foundation, embodying the conviction that art can spark dialogue, inspire change, and foster a sense of belonging among diverse communities across the globe.

Where we came from, and where we're going.

Andiara was just three years old when her family crossed the Colombian border, fleeing Venezuela in search of refuge. In Las Delicias, Cúcuta, she became the face of “Déplacé·e·s,” a project raising awareness about the millions of refugee children around the world. Throughout 2022, JR and his team traveled to places where families sought refuge from war, climate change, and social instability. With the support of local communities, they unfurled a 45-meter-long tarp featuring a refugee child's image and marched together. "Déplacé·e·s" is just one of many stories we will share, exploring the question: Can Art Change the World?

Can Art Change the World? Absolutely. We are building a future where anyone can use art to reimagine the world with joy, belonging, and shared humanity. Inspired by the work and legacy of artist JR, the Can Art Change the World? Foundation harnesses the power of art to unite and support communities worldwide. Learn more about our projects: https://lnkd.in/ekH2qF5c