Will Barras

“In a world where everything seems to have a price tag on it, art and music is something which can and should be free for everyone. I try to keep my eyes open and see what goes on in different countries and the street art scene in Brazil always seems super vibrant and inspiring. It has its own aesthetic, a raw energy, and it comes from a place which I don’t really understand. And that makes it fascinating. I can’t really imagine what it is like to live there and from the little I’ve seen of that world, it makes me feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunities which I’ve been afforded, and the chance to now collaborate with Brazilian artists. Art gives people who usually get ignored a voice and a way to express themselves, and tell their story.”

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Inkie aka Tom Bingle

“Everybody should have the opportunity to pick up a pencil and paper and express their creativity. This is a crucial part of our education and acts as a medium to express feeling and emotions that cannot be clearly projected via speech and sound. Creativity, art and music specifically enable children to pursue another career option in their lives. Almost all the people I grew up with from a wide variety of social backgrounds who became involved in street art are in one way or another now employed in creative industries. To see the situation in which children are growing up in the favelas must surely inspire anyone to get involved. I feel that the best way I can do this and enhance there lives, is via art and hopefully helping give them creative inspiration to expand their visions. Having seen the amazing variations in artistic style that have developed in Brazil from the favelas to the street it is an inspiration to be involved with and contribute to this project as an advancement of global awareness of contemporary street art.”

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Remi/Rough aka Remi Morgan

“Art is everywhere, from biscuit tins to city walls all over the planet. Regardless of who makes the art, people appreciate it, hate it or find indifference in it. I have been a part of this global graffiti industry for over 25 years now and personally I feel that my work is in a very good place right now. If even one person benefits from a project such as this, it’s a good look. I’ve seen and read enough to have a pretty good idea of how young people in the slums of Brazil live and survive, and if we as artists can make an impact on their lives in any way, either financially or inspirationally, then it’s worthwhile. Growing up in South East London, I know of some of the trials and tribulations that inner city life can throw at young people. It’s not easy by any stretch.”

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