Feed 40 Children in Puerto Rico Art Program

Thanks for your support of the eleventh edition of Patio Taller (June 9–20), a summer  program dedicated to promoting social change through access to the arts, culture, and the environment for youth ages 6 to 16.

This year, we had the opportunity to develop a 10-day immersive program of direct engagement, during which participants strengthened their sense of belonging and community through educational experiences centered on the arts, culture, and the environment.

We are excited to have established partnerships with local organizations focused on popular education and leadership–such as Colectivo Caribana and La Escuela de Liderazgo. In addition, local artists participated by sharing their knowledge with the community in areas including ceramics, storytelling, plena, bomba, percussion, bass, woodworking, theater, salsa, muralism, cyanotype, and screen printing.

We also integrated environmental activities, including bat conservation, tree planting, mangrove exploration, and weather studies.

This experience impacted 40 participants between the ages of 6 and 16. We implemented democratic education and compassionate communication methodologies, helping to strengthen the bonds between participants, facilitators, and the broader community.

For this eleventh edition, we also hosted an open house day, where families had the opportunity to see the results of the workshops and participate in a collective space of reflection and celebration.

At the end of the summer Arts, Culture and Environmental Youth program, many participants expressed a desire for the program to be expanded. One 9-year-old participant shared, “I wish this program would continue even after the world ends.” This statement reflects the hope, emotional impact, and futuristic vision that this project inspires in those who experience it.