Freaky Funk Flow

From 7 to 20 June 2021, together with a group of boys and girls, the Ticino artist, Damiano Mengozzi, created an important, urban artwork.

The aim of this project, curated by Arte Urbana Lugano in partnership with the Department of Social Services and developed as a participatory workshop, was twofold. Firstly, it provided the opportunity to reassess and refresh the exterior of the building in Via Pazzalino 8, home to the Youth Centre which has operated for some 40 years. In order to complete the project, the building was integrated into its environment, concurrently ensuring continuity with all the activities conducted indoors. The colours chosen for the proposed street art were inspired by the faded apartment blocks in the old part of Viganello, located less than 100 m from the Youth Centre. As well as being informed by the disparate combinations offered by the chosen colour palette, through the use of various forms and hues, the art-form successfully conveys the activities and energies which have found their home in the Youth Centre. Music, art, socialising, joy, light-heartedness… these are just some of the myriad words we can use to describe them. Secondly, the workshop has enabled young people to gain a deeper understanding of urban art in a participatory, professional capacity, with participants able to experience the entire creative process. Under the supervision of the artist, they took part and intervened in the planning stages – from initially envisaging the artwork to its actual creation.