Can Art Change the World? formed naturally from French artist JR’s practice of creating monumental works of public art with communities around the globe. He saw first hand how the act of creating together fosters dialogue, builds relationships, and empowers individuals to enact the change they want to see. The 501(c)(3) non-profit was founded to bring continuity to and expand JR’s projects by supporting autonomous programs that connect people through their stories.
Today, Can Art Change the World? is made up of multiple projects that interlace art forms such as photography, dance, cinema, gastronomy, and more, all with the goal to physically gather people together to learn, connect, and create.
In 2008, while creating his Women Are Heroes project in Brazil, JR developed deep relationships with the families of the Morro da Providência favela in Rio de Janeiro. As he neared the end of the project, he was eager to maintain creative connection with the community in a way that would outlast his pastings on the walls. With Brazilian photographer Maurício Hora, he founded Casa Amarela, a community center that offers educational, artistic and cultural activities as well as professional training courses all year round.
The desire to foster creative spaces that mobilize and strengthen communities was the impetus for founding Can Art Change the World? In addition to Casa Amarela, the non-profit supports JR’s global art project Inside Out. Created in 2011, the participatory platform helps communities share their stories by displaying large-scale black and white portraits in public spaces. In the last decade, over half a million people have participated in the project, with more than 2,600 installations created in 152 countries and territories.
Always seeking to drive change, each of JR’s projects has the potential to grow into a social initiative. Can Art Change the World? has also expanded the impact of JR’s work by supporting short-term artistic interventions that inspire action, promote healing, and nurture dialogue.
