Fundación Personas and Caixabank, through its Obra Social “la Caixa” have presented the MIRAR project, a collaboration in which both entities will provide answers and opportunities to the creative restlessness of people with intellectual disabilities. For this first edition they will count on the monologuist Leo Harlem who, throughout the project, will be a guide and support for the participants.
The signing of the agreement, held today in Valladolid, was attended by Ángeles García and Jesús Mazariegos, President and CEO of Fundación Personas, and on behalf of Caixabank, Alberto Navarro, Director of Institutions and Javier Marín, head of Social Action DT northwest. They were also accompanied by the mentor of the project, Leo Harlem, who for years has been an ambassador of inclusive humor in several projects of Fundación Personas.
This joint project of Fundación Personas and Caixabank combines art and circular economy, recycling and creative sustainability in commitment to the environment; therefore, the project incorporates Sustainable Development Goals promoted by the UN.
At Caixabank, through its Obra Social la Caixa, we work to encourage and promote activities aimed at enabling people with disabilities to develop fully, with the same opportunities as everyone else.
We believe that art, as a rehabilitative therapy, enriches and empowers those who practice it, helping to overcome barriers and glass ceilings that people with intellectual disabilities often encounter along the way.
“Along these lines, the MIRAR project represents a novel approach to art as therapy and we are delighted to participate alongside Fundación Personas and Leo Harlem as a mentor for it.”
The MIRAR project
Each person with a disability has original and unique abilities. The ‘MIRAR’ Project aims to break through the invisible barrier that, historically, has left out of many artistic and cultural initiatives the group of people with intellectual disabilities.
Art develops the imagination, empowers autonomy and favors inclusion, providing benefits that enrich the quality of life. Creativity is a common good and human beings experience positive reactions when, in some way, their efforts are recognized. The concept of “art therapy” gives emotional strength and is a preventive activity in terms of maintaining vital interests, avoiding risks and strengthening capabilities.
FIRST EDITION
For one year, with the idea of re-editing in subsequent years. Between September 2020-21 we will focus on drawing and painting.
WHERE AND HOW
In each of the delegations of Segovia, Valladolid, Zamora, Palencia with Guardo and Aguilar, workshops will be organized for 10 people guided by a professional with willingness and creative attitudes. The workshop will be held weekly and for one hour. We provide personal kit of suitable material.
In addition, we will have the artistic direction of a coach who will give a micro masterclass once a month, traveling to each delegation. These sessions will be recorded on video to disseminate the project on the web, so each participant must grant permission to use the image. In each of the 6 creative workshops, the enjoyment is implicit in the action of creating small plastic works.
The process is proposed in a non-competitive format. It will allow the identification of artists and the production of both individual and group works.
ACTIONS TO BE DEVELOPED
CREATIVE-FORMATIVE WORKSHOP: Throughout the year, weekly in its usual space. Monthly an artistic masterclass with an external guide that will add painting, sculpture, music, comics, visual poetry or theater.
ANNUAL ARTISTIC DAY: During the month of July and in an itinerant space, venue per year, a group urban intervention (Graffiti) will be carried out to provide visibility and social participation guided by a local artist.
ANNUAL COLLECTIVE EXHIBITION: We intend to collect work to mount a traveling exhibition in a museum and other places such as open spaces, so that every December 3 (International PCD Day) we have a social campaign. Through the urban mupis we can also make a “museum in the street” with the paintings of these young people.
ANNUAL DIDACTIC VISIT TO A MUSEUM: El Prado, Reina Sofía, Guggenheim, Thyssen, Caixaforum…
