The “artivist” Mundano visited New York last week to give talks and hold an event about Pimp My Carroça, a movement to promote dignity for independent waste collectors in Brazil and around the world. His first stop was the BrazilFoundation office on July 23rd, where Mundano gave a talk on the project and led a discussion with 25 guests. The project has been supported by the Foundation since 2014 and works to bring public and government attention to the important environmental work that the collectors do.
Brazil does not have public policies that mandate recycling. As a result, only 3% of all waste produced in the country is recycled, 90% of which is recycled because of the efforts of independent waste collectors. “My goal was to wake people up, so that they don’t hold prejudice against collectors who are doing honest work, so that they see them with admiration…”, said Mundano.
On Sunday, July 26th, Mundano travelled to Montauk for a second event hosted by the BrazilFoundation Young Fellows. 50 people attended the happy hour, held in space provided by The Surf Lodge, raising a total of US$ 3,500 to benefit the Pimp My Carroça. The event also was supported by Cachaça Leblon, who provided caipirinhas to guests, and Vanessa Pereira PekiNY, a project that teaches children to recycle and respect the environment.
During the happy hour Mundano painted a canvas that will be auctioned at the XIII BrazilFoundation Gala New York on September 17th.
