Balam
Balam emerges from the Salvadoran political artist tradition, as well as from Liberation Theology. It trains street and at-risk kids in arts and crafts so that they can earn a living by selling their handiwork.
Over the last several years, Balam has functioned informally, helping some 30 kids in workshops and selling their work through a store in Oaxaca (all proceeds go to the individual artists). Recently, it gained non-profit status, and now wishes to work with more kids, especially those in the countryside (in Mexico, many kids leave the countryside to find work in the city, but end up on the street). Inspired by the Cuban “sports brigades” and “health brigades,” Balam wants to be a “cultural brigade.”
During the workshops, Balam staff allow the conversation to flow where it will, often to themes of sexuality, health, emotions, politics... Balam uses this opportunity to raise consciousness and to help kids understand themselves and their world.
Balam
Camino Real a Xochitepec #39
Col. Ampliación Tepepán, Xochimilco
México
contact: write Alicia Durán, next door neighbor, <lichisduran@hotmail.com>
