During July and August 2023, Red Sanamente conducted a series of workshops to implement the techniques acquired in previous meetings with our partners from Gruppo Phoenix, Aile, and Italy. These workshops, organized and led by our core team, were open to all members of our organization and the community, promoting integration and combating the stigma associated with mental health issues.
The Project and Its Goals
The core team decided to embark on an artistic, creative, and collective project using various artistic techniques explored in the Paint the Change project. Another significant decision was to work with recycled materials. Inspired by the sculpture and the theme “The head can be iron or it can be feather,” created by Gruppo Phoenix, we aimed to create an audiovisual product that puts mental health at the forefront and fights against the stigma faced by people with mental health problems. Thus, the project “CIUDAD” was born, focusing on creating a model city and using stop motion techniques to develop necessary scenes.
Workshop Sessions
The project was divided into eight work sessions over July and August 2023. The journey began with sculpture, gathering and manipulating all necessary materials. Selected materials included wood scraps from local carpentries and discarded cardboard found on city streets.
Once we had the materials, we started building the model city that would serve as the setting for our story. Simultaneously, we gave color and form to the characters that would populate our narrative, crafting them from wooden scraps used in local carpentries.
Progress and Outcomes
As the sessions progressed, our project “CIUDAD” began to take shape. After creating the characters and the city model, we conducted initial recording tests using the stop motion technique, which we shared with our partners at Aile. This collaborative process inspired the core team to produce a short film intended for distribution and promotion in sociocultural spaces within our community. The goal was clear: to fight against the prejudices and stigma that people with mental health issues face. With this project, we aimed to deliver the powerful message that “MADNESS DOES NOT BITE.”
Community Impact
The workshops not only fostered creativity and collaboration but also served as a platform for advocacy and education. By engaging the community in these artistic endeavors, we aimed to break down barriers and promote a more inclusive and understanding society.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners and all participants for their dedication and support in making this project a reality. Together, we are making strides in changing perceptions and fostering a more inclusive community.
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