Here we are at Tiuna el Fuerte in Caracas, for the Hip Hop Revolution kick off event organized by Gustavo. Vibes are on! Global Hip Hop in full effect.

Tiuna el Fuerte is a pilot project for the revival of culture and arts in Venezuela. It’s a space where young people can come together perform, play music, dance, paint and celebrate creativity. All the events are free and the youth can also take free classes such as graffiti art, DJ lessons and circus performing. This project has been developing over the last couple of years and finally manifested six months ago. The local Hip Hop groups are all over this scene, busting revolutionary rhymes mixed with traditional rhythms. Tonight was the first international event, it was organized by our man Gustavo who brought K'naan, Immortal Technique, Dead Prez and 15 other groups from around the world to this event.

Its amazing to be part off this festival and feel the positive energy of everyone who has been working so hard to make it happen, especially Gustavo. These cats know that art is central to the revolution. And it is through art that they want to collectively transform their society towards equality, peace and solidarity.

According to Gerardo Pineiro, director of theater of the Ministry of Culture, Venezuala has suffered a major culture deficit. He says little was invested into culture over the past and now the current government wants to make up for this loss by investing approximately 1/3 of tax revenues annually in cultural education and sports. Included in this funding are projects such as Tiuna el Fuerte. It is funded and supported by the Ministry of Culture but run by grass roots activist who maintain autonomy and freedom in deciding how they want the project to unfold.

From what I can see so far, this is an amazing pilot project that will inspire communities throughout Caracas, Venezuela and South America to strengthen locally, enrich their cultural roots and discover the true power of art to effect change.

- The 4REAL Crew