Artists Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn create community art by painting entire neighborhoods, and involving those who live there -- from the favelas of Rio to the streets of North Philadelphia. What's made their projects succeed? In this funny and inspiring talk, the artists explain their art-first approach -- and the importance of a neighborhood barbecue.

How painting can transform communities

Transforming bare-brick favelas and neglected streets with vibrant murals can spark pride and unity where stigma and struggle once ruled. In Rio’s Vila Cruzeiro, painting houses with residents turned a notorious slum into a world-renowned open-air gallery. Efforts in Philadelphia showed the same approach could unite and empower communities in very different contexts. Building trust through neighborhood barbecues and collaborative design makes art a catalyst for real connection.