ESPAÇO ABERTO

Espaço Aberto Art Studio was founded by Yolanda Demétrio in 1998 in Rocinha, the largest favela in Latin America, located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Studio was created with the mission of discovering and developing the skills and abilities of children and young people through dance, art, culture, and children's literature. Espaço Aberto serves the neighborhoods of Rocinha, Gardenia, Cidade de Deus, and Cruzada São Sebastião - all considered high-risk areas marked by the presence of drug dealers and militiamen (former police officers).

Over the years, Espaço Aberto has rescued students who were involved in drug-trafficking, prostitution, and drug use. The art studio currently serves 46 children, 21 youth, and 2 elders on a regular basis with a fighting spirit for families living in low-income favelas who cannot afford dance activities. They are also focused on training new leaders who will continue building a love for the arts in the future.

“GGG helped us by giving psychological support through weekly meetings via zoom, bringing panelists and information, practices, and life stories of GGG leaders, who inspired us to become resilient and build a beautiful journey. To me, the practices bring peace, tranquility, and strength, helping me to keep the focus and the faith to overcome the fear of leaving home to work. We received financial support for the payment of rent for the dance hall and for the internet installed at this location for the use of students, and for the purchase of “food boxes” for students and their families.” ~ Yolanda Demétrio, Founder and Director of Espaço Aberto Art Studio

RECENT CHALLENGES

• OPERATIONS - Keeping the organization functioning was extremely challenging due to the global pandemic. In-person classes were disrupted by shutdowns and remote programs were nearly impossible due to limited internet connectivity.
• FINANCES - Funding was a big challenge last year. Donations and fundraising efforts were critical to maintaining operations, paying rent for the dance hall, and supporting the distribution of the “food boxes”.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• AWARDS - Yolanda Demétrio, founder of Espaço Aberto, was recognized for the years of service she has given to uplifting cultural projects in the under-resourced favelas of Rio de Janeiro . She received four honors including a commendation - the Honorary Title of Comendador.
• PUBLICITY - Espaço Aberto Art Studio was in the spotlight when Yolanda was interviewed by a TV station to talk about the important work and projects completed before and during the pandemic.

GOALS FOR NEXT YEAR

• TUITION-FREE PROGRAMS -  The main goal for next year is to set up a safe space where students do not have to pay monthly fees. This will increase the number of students who can access and participate in the programs. This goal includes the addition of new environmental, social, and cultural projects.