U.S. and Spanish Hip Hop Groups Connect with Youth

More than 300 people attended the inauguration of the first International Urban Art Festival in La Paz on Monday, September 28, in Fundación Cinemateca Boliviana. U.S. artist George Martinez and the Global Block Collective and Spanish rappers Dos Hermanos were on hand to open an exhibit on graffiti art and perform interactive breakdancing, rap, and graffiti sessions with Bolivian youth. The event also featured remarks by representatives of the U.S. and Spanish Embassies, Fundación Cinematica Boliviana, and Organización Komunidad Raptivista Urbano.

Several television stations were on hand to cover the event. In addition, La Razón posted a photo of the event on its front page and La Prensa included a full page of coverage in its cultural section. 

The International Urban Art Festival will continue through Sunday, October 4, with concerts, workshops, and presentations. All events are free and open to the public.

Schedule of events:

• Tuesday, September 29, 4:00 pm: Graffiti and Breakdance Workshop, Place: El Prado
• Wednesday, September  30, 4:00 pm: International Forum on "Hip-Hop Beginnings," Place: Cúpula  de Adobe, La Paz
• Thursday, October 1, 3:00 pm: DJ & Breakdance Workshop, Place: Teatro de Cámara, El Alto
• Friday, October 2, 5:00 pm, Hip Hop Festival with contests and band battles, "open microphone," Place: Fundación COMPA, El Alto
• Saturday, October 3, 6:00 pm , International Hip Hop Concert, Place: Cine Teatro Municipal 6 de Agosto
• Sunday, October 4, 10:00 am Final Concert, graffiti contest, Hip Hop Corner, Place: El Prado, La Paz