Grupo Artístico e Cultural Os Arteiros

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Os Arteiros

Theatre and Culture Transforming Youths as Artists in the City of God

Cidade de Deus (City of God) is a community 100,000 people – 70% of which are young, faces many social challenges such as high rates of unemployment and school evasion. In fact, despite having high rates of school enrollment, more than 1/3 of those registered drop out during primary school. The community is one of the most violent in Rio de Janeiro, and became notorious from the film City of God in 2002.

Established in 2010, Grupo Artistico e Cultural Os Arteiros utilizes art as an educational tool for youths in this community to mature emotionally, grow as artists, improve school performance, and strengthen familial relationships. The group attends 80 children per year through yoga, music, language and theater, and produces theatrical performances with the students on social issues plaguing their community
such as urban violence, mental health, and familial challenges. Several of the students have secured jobs in film and theater, even novelas. The project “Os Arteiros”aims to expand its activities to more youths and reduce school evasion in Cidade de Deus by implementing its activities in public schools.

With support from BrazilFoundation, Os Arteiros aims to:

• Offer weekly yoga, French and theater classes to 50 additional youths ages 10-17;
• Prepare youths as leaders to realize their own artistic projects and enter the workforce;
• Realize theatrical performances on relevant social issues to stimulate important dialogue within the community;
• Use technology to connect with artists internationally for workshops, broadening the horizons of the participating youths.

Impact

Youth empowered as artists
Theatrical performances for the community
Cultural activities for youth

“Our goal is to use art as a tool to com plement formal education, expand horizons, and, most of all, give youth opportunities to grow.” ‐ Arteiros Team