Amplifying the voices of young people with the lived experience of psychoactive substance use
BarrioBloom is a project that seeks to empower young people with lived experiences of substance use through the use of art. It aimed to raise awareness of substance use within communities in Bogotá, Colombia, and reduce stigma. BarrioBloom was funded by the Citizens' Diplomatic Action Fund 2024, sponsored by the United States Department of State.
Our vídeo
People who use psychoactive substances are Highly stigmatized, which puts different areas of their lives at risk, such as their access to education, health and work.
Although only a small percentage of users of these substances develop addictions, the erroneous association of substance use with crime or homelessness forces these people to hide their consumption, making them invisible to society.
our goals
Destigmatize the use of psychoactive substances in young people aged 18 to 30 in Bogotá, Colombia.
Raise awareness among communities through psychoeducation about the effects of the use of psychoactive substances and provide guidance on prevention and treatment services.
Promote dialogue on the use of psychoactive substances to prevent, treat and provide support to young people with experiences of substance use.
Barriobloom in numbers
16 young people
with experiences of psychoactive substances who participated in the workshop
20+ members
of the community involved in the
painting of the mural
70+ people
from the community and/or working in mental health at the celebration event
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BarrioBloom promotes the power of sharing stories to generate wellbeing. To this end, the project combines co-design, psychoeducation, art and community participation to involve different partners in complex conversations about the use of psychoactive substances, a highly stigmatized topic tainted by misinformation.
our project had three phases:
phase 1:
Co-Creation Workshop
Who?
16 young people between 18 and 30 years old who live in Bogotá, Colombia and who have first-hand experience with the use of psychoactive substances.
Through reflection on personal experiences of the use of psychoactive substances, we designed a mural about the prejudices and challenges faced by young people who use psychoactive substances.
phase 2:
Painting the Mural
Who?
Graffiti artist DuS painted the mural alongside approximately 20 people from the community, including workshop attendees.
At the office of Echele Cabeza, an organization included in the project, we painted the mural designed by the young people who participated in the co-creation workshop of phase 1. The mural was painted by the graphic artist DuS and people from the Bogotá community.
Fase 3:
Celebration Event
Who?
100+ people, including government workers, healthcare professionals and community members, attended the celebration event.
To inaugurate the mural, we held a celebration event attended by workshop participants, professionals and academics in the field of mental health and substance use, and people from the community. The event provided an opportunity to discuss good practices for preventing, treating, and providing support to people who use psychoactive substances.
“No one can liberate anyone else, no one can be liberated alone. people become free in communion.”
-Paulo Freire
who are the young people who co-created the mural?
and others
How does the mural capture the essence of BarrioBloom?
This mural captures the essence of BarrioBloom by challenging misconceptions that contribute to the stigma surrounding drug users. Through its visual elements, it conveys a message about understanding the natural origins of drugs, promoting ethical consumption, and breaking stereotypes about users.
"Nature gives us everything we need, but it’s up to use to use it wisely”
The various flowers, such as poppy and tobacco flowers, coca leaves and coffee beans, represent the natural origins of psychoactive substances. They remind us of the importance of appreciating these plants in their pure form and making ethical choices in their use.
"Never judge a book by its cover"
The choice of a young woman challenges the stereotype that only men use psychoactive substances and highlights the reality of consumption among young people. The half-tattooed, half-non-tattooed face emphasizes that young people who use these substances do not fit a specific mold, dismantling preconceived ideas about what users should look like. This reinforces the idea that substance use among young people is diverse, breaking stereotypes related to appearance and age.
"Buy conscientiously"
Marijuana growing from the brain symbolizes the importance of growing your own marijuana or buying from reliable sources, rather than buying from dealers who may contribute to neighborhood violence and unrest.
Which organizations were involved in BarrioBloom?
Échele Cabeza
Échele Cabeza, a project of the non-profit organization Acción Técnica Social, promotes the individual right to the safe use of substances through information campaigns and discussions around drug use, particularly with young people. They offer counseling services as well as anonymous testing of illicit substances in clubs, festivals and meetings to promote destigmatization and risk reduction.
Capital Graffiti Tours
Capital Graffiti Tours is a multidisciplinary initiative where socially conscious artists create guided tours in collaboration with artists and community leaders, betting on the potential of art to transform and improve society.
DuS
Graffiti artist and muralist. DuS has done work for different entities combining styles such as Pop art and Realism. His work is based on highlighting different expressions of the human figure, with special attention to everyday and expressive portraiture.
Nikhi
Nikhi is a health researcher, visual ethnographer, and harm reductionist. She is a licensed Narcan dispenser and music therapist. She was awarded the Fullbright Nehru Research Fellowship, and received a Master of Science in Mathematical Modeling for Global Health from the University of Oxford. She is a trans woman and a daughter of the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean diaspora. Free Palestine, Bangladesh, Kachin, Ukraine, Congo, Sudan, Haiti, and Yemen....🕊️🏳️⚧️☮️