Social project brings the art of painting to the streets of Jamaica! Check out the beautiful work!

The "Paint Jamaica" project - or "Pintando a Jamaica" - began in July this year, when a group of Jamaican urban artists and a French traveler decided to come together to bring art to the streets of Kingston. The heart of the idea was to change and revolutionize the relationship between art, talent and society. Without restrictions, it also became a great social cause, and began to change the negative stigma that existed in the ghettos of Kingston. With this vision in mind, the team embarked on a ten-day project to beautify the walls of a gigantic abandoned building on Fleet Street, a neighborhood that few Kingstonians knew about, and had never even heard of. For more than a month, and before brushes touched the walls, the “PAINT JAMAICA” team met on several occasions with the neighborhood's residents to learn about their needs. This feedback resulted in stunning murals led by talented artists like Taj Francis, Matthew McCarthy, Djet Layne, and Kokab Zohoori-Dossa. We don't want to come in and impose a vision. The community will decide, especially because the walls and art that will be painted belong to them. The creative vision is ALL theirs..." - explains Marianna, founder and project manager. Some of the popular themes that emerged were unity, education, peace and strengthening self-esteem. Classes such as Yoga or Capoeira are now frequently held. The reality is that, as artists, this is what we always hoped for, even when we were in school: to be able to help change the look of our country.", said Matthew McCarthy, who has become a mentor for artists in the community. "PAINT JAMAICA" is supported by Jamaican music icons such as Ziggy Marley and the Tuff Gong label, and even the singer Tessanne Chin, winner of the last American The Voice - stopped by the place to leave his support. The impact on the community, the media and social networks was great and very positive. There were people from all over the world interested in the project, because it is a good cause, and people through art found a way to express themselves, to feel "parte de algo". Additionally, altering the visual landscape helped reduce crime and trash. Marianna said that after Fleet's beautification of the walls, residents are more likely to want to protect and preserve the place. "PAINTING JAMAICA" is funded through online donations and local businesses, a true example to follow. More information: www.facebook.com/paintjamaica