Description of the initiative

La Torre del Valle has promoted the “Art Against Oblivion” project to fight against depopulation. This project aims for artists from across the country to create graffiti and murals on the town’s facades every year to add a tourist attraction to this municipality condemned to oblivion. The invited artists perform free of charge and the act becomes an event that attracts the attention of much of the province.

The sustainable development goal implies a commitment by the corporation to make the municipality attractive for tourism and to preserve its current population.

Execution period

The project began in 2017 with the intention of lasting over time.

Methodology

The methodology is based on fostering collaboration between artists, companies, and public institutions willing to contribute their efforts to make this project a reality.

Resources

Resources are limited, and the modest budget comes from contributions from the City Council, the Tourism Board, and the Provincial Council of Zamora.

On the other hand, the artists participate free of charge, expressing their art on facades provided by the residents. In addition, some companies sponsor and collaborate altruistically with the project.

Involvement of actors and building of alliances

Artists, public institutions, private companies, and residents contribute to the development of this project, under the coordination of Alicia Nefzi, the local mayor.

Some of the artists who have been part of this initiative include RAGE@ira183, POCH-1, Da2 dadospuntocero, Asier Vara, Frpcrewerik + Skf-arte, Senjuan_BB + Neskita-Bellybutton, Soen Bravo, among others.

Coordination

Internal: It is carried out through collaboration between the mayor and the secretary of the local entity.

External: It is managed through communication between the mayor and the various individuals, companies, and collaborators who are invited to participate in the project.

Innovation: What are the most novel aspects provided by the initiative?

The most innovative aspect of this initiative is the incorporation of graffiti art throughout the municipality, which has transformed its public spaces. Furthermore, the achieved challenge stands out: securing the participation and cohesion of such a small community, unifying efforts among residents, artists, and institutions.

What elements should be taken into account for the replicability of the initiative in another Local Entity?

To replicate the project in other similar municipalities, it is crucial to have the motivation and commitment of the inhabitants and collaborators to prevent the town from falling into oblivion and being condemned to disappearance. In La Torre del Valle, they define it as “the will to put our town on the map.”

Obstacles: What have been the main obstacles encountered in the different phases of the project?

The main obstacle encountered has been the lack of funding.

Triple impact: Is the project sustainable from an environmental, economic, and social point of view?

A sustainable economic impact has been achieved, as the expenditure has been minimal. Socially, the residents have been actively involved in the project, resulting in a weekend of coexistence that is very rewarding for the inhabitants of La Torre del Valle. Furthermore, the project has no negative environmental impact.

Results, measurement, and impact

The main positive impact has been making the municipality known in the province and much of the country.

Links of interest:

https://nscarambiental.blog/2024/08/27/arte-contra-el-olvido-un-respiro-de-vida-para-la-torre-del-valle-zamora/