People’s Palace Projects do Brasil / Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Film
Written By Half & Twice
 

There’s a whole library full of stories to take away from a visit to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, and perhaps the most impactful of these is the destructive power of unchecked classism. It’s a rampant virus that is decimating human societies across the world, and there is no vaccine.

It’s not a new problem, and time has only added complexity to the matter. Addressing it seems an overwhelming task, but groups like the People’s Palace Projects do Brasil have risen to the challenge.

Founded in 1996 by Paul Heritage at the Queen Mary University of London, People’s Palace Projects (PPP) is a charitable organisation that seeks responses to urgent social crises through the arts. PPP’s international approach first drew them to Brazil in 2002, and has since seen them develop projects in places such as Pakistan and Burkina Faso.

After numerous collaborations with Brazil’s local citizens and cultural organisations, PPP launched an international research project called Building The Barricades in 2018. This multidisciplinary study investigated the impact of ongoing urban violence on the mental health of people living in Complexo da Maré, the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro.

This comprehensive study included in-depth personal interviews and explored topics such as insufficient access to health care, education and basic social services. Beyond these challenges, favela residents also have to navigate cultural stigmas that limit their opportunities while avoiding the dangers posed by armed gangs that still run the neighbourhood. If all that isn’t enough, there’s also staying off the radar of local police who carry out violent operations and tend to view everyone in the favelas as criminals.

Taking these factors into account, PPP published and distributed the findings of their investigation in a mental health guide for the citizens of Mare, alongside a four-volume book that was widely covered in local and international media.

Beyond this important research, PPP took direct action. During the Covid-19 lockdowns, they engaged local artists and community leaders to produce works of art to help illustrate and share stories of triumph from the community.

These included a photography competition and digital exhibition called A Maré de Casa, in addition to a remarkable audio podcast entitled BECOS. Produced by six local poets, BECOS is a four-act drama that takes listeners on a multi-protagonist journey through the alleyways of Mare. There is also an accompanying musical album entitled Satellite.

PPP’s multidisciplinary approach demonstrates an understanding that urban violence and mental health are complex issues requiring time, energy, and most importantly, community engagement. Addressing social crises through the arts means giving the stage to those most affected, and making sure their voices ring out as loudly and beautifully as possible.

Half & Twice http://www.halfandtwice.com
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