by Chiponda Chimbelu

04 October 2010

Sevilla, Spain: Art has always played a critical role in provoking thought and generating dialogue. “Art for All” is an initiative that aims to generate awareness related to the UN Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) using art as a medium for individuals, communities and leaders. The first such event took place in Tegucigalpa, Honduras in 2004. The location for the 2010 “Art for All” is Sevilla, Spain. 

Through this colourful project, thousands of teachers, community leaders and youth guides will learn about the eight MDGs. According to one of the event organizers, Peter Claesson, a former UNV volunteer, an estimated one million visitors will be reached and sensitized on the MDGs.

“Art for All” depicts the MDGs through the eyes of artists, enabling the initiative to reach a wider audience, said Peter who is working together with Indigo Incoming & Incentives, Diávolo Producción Cultural, the Municipality of Sevilla and Rafael Pineda at LIPASAM. 40 known artists from 25 countries will create murals, some as big as 100 meters. Sculptures will also feature amongst the artist creations.

The aim is to highlight ways to accelerate development in the poorest countries and inspire people in Spain to take action and make a difference. But the uniqueness of the event does not stop there. This event has been largely made possible by volunteerism.

“This event would not have been possible without the help of volunteers,” Peter says.

Indeed, “Art for All” is the accomplishment of volunteers. The 40 artists are all volunteering their time and work. The website was made by an online volunteer, and more than 200 volunteers will help the artists, and assist with logistics related to paint, food, transportation and translations.

The volunteers will receive food, take part in all the events and receive a certificate recognizing their efforts and contribution. Volunteering art students are fascinated by the initiative because they will have the opportunity to work with some of the best artists in the world and learn new techniques while making a difference.

And others are also pitching in their own way. “Giving something is also a way of volunteering,” Peter explains.

The organization of this event would not have taken place without the incredible support of numerous donors and supporters, including companies and embassies that donated trips, art materials, meals, and hotel rooms.

Undoubtedly, Peter has managed to get a lot of people to take part in the initiative. And this is not the first time he has rallied a community through volunteerism. He organized the first “Art for All” in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and the “Sailing the Nile for the MDGs”  initiative in Egypt.

“I really like volunteering because I like working with people who have a lot of passion to help others,” Peter says.

“To meet people who are committed and engaged, and want to do something more and change the world” he adds.

Peter, who was a UNV volunteer in Ecuador and Honduras, admits that he is “addicted” to volunteering because he likes the “positive energy” it can create when “more and more people get involved” to make a difference.

Therefore, “Art for All” is bound to have an impact. Apart from the expected more than one million attendees, part of the exhibition will go around 17 of Spain’s regional parliaments, so that law makers are reached and reminded of their commitment to meeting the MDGs.

But Peter won’t be moving from city to city, he will be embarking on another volunteer MDG-related project—reforestation. South of Spain is affected by climate change and long periods of drought. So Peter and his 11 and 12 year old sons will be working together to inspire children around Spain to plant trees through the children’s association, United Children.

Peter’s work is not just about inspiring Spaniards to take action to reach the MDGs in the developing countries, it is also about highlighting what can be achieved through volunteerism.

Take part in the Art for All project on Facebook