Stories: Stories

Callao, a colorful district on the north-western edge of Lima, is quickly gaining a reputation as the center for urban art in Peru. Where else in the world is there a wait list to graffiti the streets. Local youths and some of South America’s leading street artists alike are all pining for the opportunity of a lifetime, to make their mark on this barrio’s historic streets. Callao was once the chief seaport in all South America. For centuries all goods transported to Spain and Europe were required to travel through its’ docks. The neighborhoods’ elegant colonial architecture reflects the immense wealth that was created during this time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to last. After the port’s monopoly collapsed, the people of this community quickly fell into impoverishment and disregard by society. Until just four years ago Callao was considered; a ’red zone’, deprived, deadly and with a crime ridden reputation, too dangerous for tourists to stroll. However, upon the walls of the neglected shopping arcades, townhouses and civic centers were the seeds of rejuvenation, empty canvases for expression for grassroots graffiti and urban artists. How Urban Art Leads To Urban Revival At the heart of this recent urban revival has been an initiative called ‘Callao Monumental’, which was set up by a friend of Aracari, called Angie Pelosi. She is a local activist, who has become a highly regarded figure across Lima. Supported by a private organization called ‘Fugaz’ (meaning ‘Fleeting’ in English), her work has consisted of reviving a five block area of Callao through the creation of workshops, exhibition and artistic spaces for local people to work, learn, bond and express themselves through art. This started with the transformation of the famous Ronald Building in central Callao. The imposing colonial style building was converted into a home for Callao