The Art of a Smile

The Art of a Smile project contributes to the development of the “Garage of Words”, which opened in March 2015: an ex-garage transformed into the first literary café in Rocinha, the biggest favela in Rio de Janeiro.

The “Garage of words” is a café-bookstore and meeting place where the young people from the favela can carry out artistic activities, participate in workshops and professional training, and organize exhibits and events.

The literary café has lots of books and a reading room, which is in itself a place to create and dream. The premises are also open to local and international artists for exhibits and performances. Here, young artists can propose and manage workshops and become involved in didactic experiences for the young inhabitants of Rocinha.

In 2015, Alta Mane is supporting the coordination and management of the literary cafè and the realization of a 2 hour weekly art course for the young participants, who produce practical work combining art with literature.