PPG COMEX, Colectivo Tomate Install “Bird of Dreams” Mural in Monterrey, Mexico

PPG COMEX and project partner Colectivo Tomate recently inaugurated the “Bird of Dreams” mural in the Campana-Altamira neighborhood of Monterrey, Mexico. The nearly 25,000-square-meter (270,000-square-foot) creation, which is the first of its kind in the world, was painted on the exterior walls of 300 hillside homes as part of the Comex por un México Bien Hecho (“Comex for a Well Done Mexico”) social impact program.

After community members prepped the neighborhood’s homes, 22 artists and 23 facilitators from Colectivo Tomate created the colorful bird mural. PPG Comex contributed nearly MEX$2.5 million (US$135,000) to the project, including 9,000 liters (2,400 gallons) of paint.

“At PPG Comex, we believe that we can strengthen the social structure of communities through color,” said Gilberto Alcaraz, PPG Comex program director, Comex por un México Bien Hecho. “By revitalizing public spaces, we encourage neighbors to be involved and proactively participate in bringing harmony, security and a sense of belonging to the area.”

The four-month project involved more than 300 volunteers and 1,500 residents of the Campana-Altamira neighborhood. The funding supported approximately 50 community workshops that helped develop skills in communication, conflict resolution, resilience and interpersonal relationships. A mentoring program for students from CBTis99 (technological, industrial and services high school) and the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon enhanced the students’ skills in recovering community spaces and implementing urban art projects.

“The mural extends its wings, generating a connection, community, and trust while also narrating the adversities and resistance faced by the early residents of the neighborhood,” said Tomás Darío, director, Colectivo Tomate.

The project was part of an initiative to develop the Campana-Altamira neighborhood by the Secretary of Social Development of the State of Nuevo Leon, the Sub Secretariat of Crime Prevention of the State of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey’s municipal government, Tecnologico de Monterrey University and Cemex. It directly impacted 1,500 people who live in the area and 6,000 others indirectly.
PPG Comex employs approximately 4,500 people in Mexico at its company-owned stores, six manufacturing facilities, four training centers and three research centers. It is a leader in the manufacture, marketing, and distribution of decorative paints, waterproofing products, wood care products, industrial coatings, and accessories. The brand is celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2018.