about
about
RECLAIM THE STREET:
Celebrating [in—between] Cultures
As a simple definition, immigration is the movement of people departing from one territory towards another. What does belonging and membership mean when you live in a different surrounding and are faced with unfamiliar cultures and practices? The project temporarily transforms the front of a public library into a stadium, a place to talk and meet, an inclusive gathering spot for the community to watch the final match CONMEBOL Libertadores, the biggest soccer competition in South America.
Presented at ArtLab at Harvard
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Advisor: Malkit Shoshan
Group: Adi Meira, Victor Tessler
2024 Fall

When framing immigration in the United States, Brazilians stand as one of the largest immigrant populations, numbering nearly 800,000 individuals. In Massachusetts, Brazilians form the largest immigrant group as of 2022, with a particularly strong presence in urban areas that offer industrial opportunities and support networks. Nearly half of this community resides in the Greater Boston area, concentrated in cities such as Everett, Boston, Revere, and Somerville. Since the 2000s, East Somerville has become the destination of a series of people from not only Brazil, but also Central America and Haiti. These individuals opened a range of small business such as restaurants, hair salons, grocery stores and barbershops, leading to an economic renewal of the area.


Field research highlighted additional struggles within the Brazilian immigrant community. Many individuals, particularly those who are undocumented, are unable to secure formal employment, pushing them into unofficial roles that often require working multiple shifts to make ends meet. Language barriers further exacerbate these challenges, as English is not their first language. Additionally, a lack of community events—partly due to time constraints from demanding work schedules—limits opportunities for broader social connections. Instead, people tend to form small, tight-knit groups or gather in spaces such as churches, which play a key role as community hubs.

Broadway Avenue, Somerville, MA
The research process incorporated multiple stakeholder engagement methods, including direct fieldwork with Brazilian business owners along Broadway Street and participation in Portuguese-language SomerViva community meetings. The team conducted two online consultations with SomerViva's Portuguese Services Coordinator and distributed surveys to Brazilian residents to understand their preferences for community events. Additionally, the researchers partnered with established organizations, including Soccer Without Borders and CultureHouse, to gain insights into effective community engagement strategies specifically tailored for Brazilian immigrants.

stakeholders

project timeline
The event included a large screen projecting the game, with seats for the passerby to stop and feel welcome. Goalies and soccer balls by the side, inviting kids to play and engage with soccer in the spirit of fun and community. Interviews were conducted with attendees to gather feedback and insights about their experiences as Brazilians living in Somerville, fostering dialogue about identity, belonging, and cultural celebration.
Beyond the game itself, the event seeks to reclaim urban public spaces as areas for community gathering, connection, belonging, and the contributions of immigrant communities to the city’s cultural landscape. The goal is to celebrate the cultural heritage of immigrant populations, particularly from Brazil and Latin America, by offering a public, shared experience through the passion for soccer.




mini soccer for children
community engagement

translated questionare


Booklet foldout produced for and distributed in the community
game watching