Orlando Enrique Vargas Rivero

Youth Culture and Empowerment - Chile (South America)

Orlando first realised art could be a medium for change in 2004. As a representative of Circo del Mundo, a circus group from Chile, he joined other young people from five different countries to perform for the Oxfam International Youth Parliament.

Since then, Orlando has used his circus skills to work with young people in Chile as well as Capetown, South Africa. His travelling troupe takes their circus spectacular into schools and remote communities. The aim of the Circo del Mundo performances is to inspire and motivate - during their performances they talk about education and the possibilities for life.

The group has visited many places where people don’t have enough money to eat, let alone educate themselves. However, these kids still have the desire to perform, to express themselves and to get together. Through his experiences, Orlando has learnt that art and performance cross borders, cultures, and social classes. In its different forms, it touches all corners of the world.

Orlando believes that in countries where different social groups live in difficult conditions, it is necessary to create a space for them to express themselves. It is through art that Orlando believes we can create these spaces.