Favela Painting

The Favela Painting project started in 2005 when dutch artists Haas&Hahn (Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn) had the idea of creating public artworks in favelas in Rio de Janeiro. Not just to beautify, but also to create a dialogue with their surroundings. After several successful projects, the image of a square painted in a design of radiating colors yielded worldwide fame and transformed Rio into 'one of the world’s 10 most colorful places', according to CNN.

 Haas&Hahn were invited to show their work at the New York based gallery Storefront for Art & Architecture, followed by an invitation from the Philadelphia Mural Arts program to paint several complete blocks in a dilapidated area in North Philly. The artists get invited worldwide to teach, to speak about their work, consult cities on community art projects and look at possible locations for future projects. They have recently restored their first painting in Rio and are currently planning a grand return to paint an entire favela.

Over the years the Favela Painting Project has grown into a professional organization, based in the Netherlands. It’s focus is: mobilizing people to transform their own communities into social art works of monumental size, to beautify and inspire, combat prejudice and attract positive attention, while offering opportunity and economic stimulus.