A long time ago
For some musicians, cartoonists, portraitists and painters, in the street, they are a "molestia"
There are many municipalities that veto us and persecute us, with absurd "laws" and merchants who complain, that we stay with their money.
Many years ago when I was drawing in a commercial gallery.
When people passed by the promenade, there at the end of a long corridor about 20 meters or more, I saw that there were many people looking at something and entering.
They were looking at how he drew, and since they were there, they were touring the various shops in the gallery.
Right in front of me, there was a huge window with toys, which corresponded to a large store in that place.
One day, the administrator came to tell me that I should go, because a commission had been formed to decide "what to do with me"
(The grace of all this, is that who organized is "commission" for my "execution" was no owner, was the tenant of a place)
So they decided to kick me out of the place.
It would have been less than ten days, when again the administrator came to tell me if I could return to the gallery, because people did not enter, I did not travel that long corridor to enter it.
From the outside you only walk through the hallway and at the end a railing, belonging to a staircase, which was where I drew and nothing else.
Also the owner of the shop window of the toys, told me that since I had left, the sale of the toy section had fallen.
Because while waiting for parents and children next to the window, they almost always ended up buying a toy.
So I didn't come back.
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF ART ON THE STREET
WE ARE NOT FREE
There is a very popular and ingrained belief that you "go and put on"
The question is very common: And they charge you for being here?
Well, yes.
Every time you see a cartoonist on a street, square or promenade, he's paying.
Many paying self-employed, liability insurance and the occupation of public roads.
Requirements vary by City Council, in some cases, up to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Something as ridiculous as that, because in Fine Arts it is not taught to make caricatures, neither in Spain, nor anywhere in the world.
It's like applying for a surgeon's degree from a butcher. That's ridiculous, because ignorance about what caricature is is absolute.
Nor does it please many, that the caricature is a popular art.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE IDENTITY AND BELONGING OF A CITY
Every time I go out to draw less in the street, and after thirty years doing it I have had to live of all kinds of things. That's why I decided to start looking for information, to write this note:
You've heard of or been to Montmartre, Paris, Caminito, New York or Berlin?
I'm sure you will.
And why are they so famous?
In addition to their historical value, these places are identified and differentiated, thanks to the tradition of finding their street artists in them.
I'll explain it to you in this note. You'll be surprised.
Street artists bring significant value to the functioning and environment of a city
in various ways.
Its presence has social, cultural and economic effects, transforming the urban environment and enriching the lives of its inhabitants and visitors.
IMPACT AND MAIN INFLUENCES:
Revitalization of Public Spaces
Street artists turn everyday spaces into points of interest. They often perform in squares, parks and streets, filling them with life and attracting people who might not otherwise pass by.
This helps revitalize areas that may be deteriorated or disused, making the spaces
publics are more attractive and safer.
Many street artists settle in certain places regularly, transforming them into
emblematic landmarks. These places become known and loved for their performances or artistic interventions, and become part of the collective memory of the city.
For example, certain squares, parks or metro stations are famous for their constant presence.
of musicians, cartoonists, painters or performance artists, who contribute to defining the personality of these spaces.
Street artists play a fundamental role in building and strengthening the
identity of a city.
Through their artistic expressions, they build and define the character, the environment and the urban culture, generating a unique identity that differentiates a city from others.
THE STREET ART AND THE IDENTITY OF THE CITY
Street artists play a fundamental role in creating and defining the identity of
a city, as their work adds a unique and authentic character to the urban environment.
Street art can be a catalyst for community pride.
Residents feel more identified and connected to their environment when art reflects their own experiences and values, contributing to a sense of cohesion and belonging.
Increasing Social Connection
Street performances encourage interaction between strangers, creating moments of connection
in public places.
When people stop to observe, they often exchange glances or comments,
generating a sense of community.
These artists also often reflect the cultural diversity of the city, which encourages respect.
and tolerance.
Street artists undoubtedly act as catalysts for social interaction and, in many
cases, channel and reflect social problems in unique and effective ways.
His work not only entertains, but also encourages communication, inspires debate, and facilitates mutual understanding between different groups of people.
Here are some of the ways street artists contribute to social interaction and address social issues:
Generation of Meeting Spaces and Interaction:
Street artists create points of convergence where people stop.
The spontaneous nature of his performances invites direct public participation, breaking down barriers between strangers and creating an environment that promotes social interaction.
This generates an inclusive and democratic meeting space, where people from different backgrounds can enjoy and share a common experience.
Many street artists settle in certain places regularly, transforming them into emblematic landmarks.
These places become known and loved for their performances or artistic interventions, and become part of the collective memory of the city.
For example, certain squares, parks or metro stations are famous for the constant presence of musicians, cartoonists, painters or performance artists, and they are the ones who help define the personality of those spaces.
Catalysts of Conversation and Reflection
Many times, street artists address relevant social issues such as inequality, migration, ecology or social justice, using their art to spark debate and reflection.
By integrating these themes into their performances or creations, artists cause audiences to think about issues they might not have otherwise considered.
This makes them agents of social change, encouraging conversations that can transcend the street space and continue in other areas.
Connection with Local Realities
Being in direct contact with the environment and people of the city, street artists are often witnesses and chroniclers of local realities.
They can reflect situations and problems typical of the community, such as unemployment, gentrification (a process that brings with it economic, demographic, educational, and even racial changes, due to real estate investment and the transfer of new residents with higher incomes.
This, of course, entails the displacement of the former inhabitants of the area, who, faced with the increase in services and the cost of housing, have to migrate to other points. ) or violence, giving voice to those who do not always have it.
By doing so, your work can resonate with passersby and generate greater empathy and awareness.
on these issues.
Promotion of Inclusion and Cultural Diversity
Street artists are often representatives of the cultural diversity that exists in a city. Musicians, painters, jugglers and other artists can bring influences from different cultures, traditions and styles that, by blending, create a rich and varied urban identity.
This artistic diversity not only enriches the atmosphere of the city, but also shows its inhabitants and visitors the cultural plurality that lives there.
The accessibility of street art makes it an inclusive and diverse platform, where people from different contexts and cultures can participate. This helps reduce prejudice, foster mutual respect, and recognize diversity as a value.
In addition, street art makes it easier for people with different opinions and visions to share the same space and find points of connection, thus promoting social cohesion.
Complaint and Social Activism
Many street artists take an activist approach and use their art as a form of denunciation.
Through their performances and visual works, they can express critical messages about injustices and social problems, sensitizing the population and promoting collective action.
This ability to channel social issues makes street artists important actors within social change movements.
Urban Stress Reduction
In cities where the pace of life is fast and stress is common, street performers offer
a moment of pause and leisure.
This artistic intervention in the public space can improve the mood of passersby and reduce tension, facilitating more friendly and relaxed interactions.
This contributes to a more positive urban environment, where people can relate in a positive way.
more open and friendly.
Street artists can also be powerful mediators of change, helping to make visible
problems, inspire reflection and build bridges between different social groups.
They are, in fact, catalysts that activate the social life of the city and reflect its complexity and
cultural richness.
Promotion of Local Culture and Artistic Diversity
Street artists bring a variety of artistic and cultural expressions that are not always available on other stages, such as galleries or theaters.
This enriches the cultural identity of the city, and offers inhabitants and tourists the opportunity to enjoy accessible and diverse artistic manifestations, such as music, dance, theater, visual arts and more.
Tourist Attraction and Economic Dynamization
In many cities, street artists become tourist attractions, adding value to
the visitor experience.
Its presence can motivate tourists to stop, explore and spend at nearby shops, cafes and restaurants, contributing to the local economy.
In addition, sometimes, the reputation of a city is strengthened thanks to its street artists, as in the case of cities known for their vibrant street life.
The economic impact of street artists on local commerce is, in most cases, positive and beneficial.
While challenges may arise in some circumstances, street artists often contribute to energizing the economy in a unique way. Here's how they influence local commerce:
DO YOU PERJECT OR BENEFIT LOCAL TRADE?
Attraction of Potential Customers:
Street performers attract crowds and passers-by who can become potential customers for nearby businesses.
By offering a show or an exhibition, they capture people's attention and, in many cases, encourage them to stop and explore the surroundings.
This benefits bars, restaurants, shops, and other businesses, which see an increase in the flow of people who might not have been there otherwise.
Increased Permanence and therefore Consumption
The presence of street performers can prolong the time people spend in a specific area, which increases the chances that they will decide to consume in nearby businesses.
For example, a group of people who stop to enjoy a performance may then decide to have coffee, buy a souvenir, or dine at a nearby restaurant. This dynamizes the local economy, especially in areas with high tourist influx.
Promotion of Tourism and the City Brand
In many cities, street art is part of the tourist attraction. Visitors enjoy the authenticity and spontaneity that street artists bring, which enhances the experience of tourists and therefore incentivizes spending on the local economy.
Cities such as New York, Barcelona, Buenos Aires or Paris are recognized for their vibrant street culture, and this translates into an increase in tourism, which in turn benefits shops, accommodation and other local services.
Support for the Informal and Alternative Economy
Street artists are themselves entrepreneurs in the informal economy, as they often rely on donations or direct sales to fund themselves.
This flow of money also allows the alternative economy to be energized. In addition, some artists sell their works, CDs, or related products, which adds a direct commercial dimension to their activity. This encourages the consumption of local cultural and craft products.
Collaboration with Local Trades and Events
In some cases, local businesses collaborate directly with street artists, organizing events or using their performances to attract customers.
Restaurants or bars, for example, can invite street musicians to perform on their terraces, which benefits both parties.
In addition, street artists often participate in markets, fairs and festivals, which also bring
additional economic opportunities to the area.
Possible Challenges and Negative Perceptions
Although the impact is mostly positive, in some cases there may be traders who perceive street artists as competition, especially if they are very close to their premises.
For example, if an artist is installed next to a music store, it could be seen as a distraction for potential customers.
However, this type of situation is usually the exception, and many studies have shown that most businesses benefit from the influx of people attracted to street art.
In short, street artists generally act as drivers of the local economy, as they attract audiences, encourage consumption, and can improve the image and attractiveness of commercial areas.
Although there are specific challenges, their presence tends to benefit rather than harm local trade, contributing to a vibrant and diverse economic ecosystem.
Accessibility to Art and Culture
Street art offers free access to culture and entertainment, making it an inclusive form of art that anyone can enjoy.
This is particularly important in communities where access to cultural events may be limited due to economic or transportation barriers.
Inspiration and Personal Expression
For many artists, the street is a space for personal expression and experimentation.
Direct interaction with the audience allows them to get immediate feedback, which can influence their artistic development.
In addition, by being in direct contact with the urban environment, artists can adapt their work to the social and cultural context of the place, inspiring others to express themselves and participate in the cultural life of the city.
Collectively, street artists not only embellish the city, but also play a key role in its dynamism and in building a sense of identity and belonging for those who inhabit it.
Cities that are known for their vibrant street art, such as Berlin, Buenos Aires, or Lisbon, attract tourists interested in this form of expression.
This type of art contributes to the projection of a unique global image, which can be a point of attraction for those seeking authentic and distinctive cultural experiences.
Street artists help build a brand identity that the city can use to differentiate itself in a global context.
WO Orons
English