After listening to Fabian Debora’s presentation on Wednesday, I was fascinated by his ideas and beliefs regarding art and community engagement. My first takeaway was when Debora said that leaving Boyle Heights to create art in some downtown, hip location would weaken the foundation of the neighborhood where his life was located. This is an important concept in the matter of community engaged art because the kind of individuals that Debora seeks to reach are ones that hail from poorer areas, rife with gang and drug activity. Debora has created a place of artistic stimulation and healing, and it is located in the home turf of his own community.
My second takeaway was Debora’s mission for “Somos LA Arte.” Debora identifies “community” as one of the fundamental aspects of his school and emphasizes that “community” is all inclusive. Debora said that if we judge anyone, fear will develop. In other words, we should not further ostracize those involved in gang or drug activity, because this will only perpetuate separation and fear of each other. Debora summed this concept up quite well when he said, “There’s only us; there is not us and them.”
My third takeaway was Debora’s assertion that vulnerability should be at the forefront of community engaged art practices. According to Debora, “vulnerability is where we find each other.” For community engaged art to be successful, an environment of safety and love should be cultivated so that people feel welcome (but not forced) to open their hearts, express themselves in a creative manner, and build connections with each other. Debora is successful in upholding this idea. His story that he shared with our class was candid, heartbreaking, inspiring, and brave. Debora has an incredible ability to open up to a room of strangers, which leads to more genuine connection with the people around him.
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