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"I have Down syndrome and I am not so different from you" - a mural and a message for World Down Syndrome Day
Street art in Plaza Bohemia and a joyful flash mob in the city centre put inclusion and talent in the spotlight
The plaza in front of ASSIDO’s centre in Plaza Bohemia is turning into a canvas for inclusion and creativity as part of this year’s World Down Syndrome Day. The Murcia Ayuntamiento, working with the Graffiti Office run by PreZero and the ASSIDO association, has launched a special street‑art project that lets people with Down syndrome help design a large‑scale mural on the wall of their own building, to celebrate the talents and voices of those who use the centre every day.The work began on Wednesday March 18 with a vibrant, hands‑on session between students from ASSIDO’s art workshop and urban artist Amado. Rather than following a pre‑made design, the mural is forming from direct conversations between the artist and the users, so that the final image truly reflects their ideas and way of seeing the world. Deputy Mayor Rebeca Pérez said, “The Ayuntamiento believes that art is a useful tool for promoting inclusion.
The participation of ASSIDO users in beautifying their surroundings in Plaza Bohemia, with the support of the Graffiti Office and PreZero, is a positive initiative. This artwork will contribute to improving the aesthetics of this space and will help us continue to highlight the abilities of this group within our city.”
The mural fits naturally into the work ASSIDO has done for almost 30 years through its InOut Artistic Collective and its dance company “Así Somos”. Across painting, ceramics and the performing arts, ASSIDO has shown that people with Down syndrome can be confident, professional creators, regularly taking part in exhibitions and cultural events. Turning one of their own building walls into a piece of street art is another way of making that talent visible and impossible to ignore.
At the same time, more than 4,000 people gathered at Plaza del Romea for a lively, family‑friendly event that combined celebration and a clear social message. During the day, ASSIDO users read out a manifesto declaring, “I have Down syndrome and I am not so different from you,” and asking society to respect the right to make decisions, to work, to form relationships, to make mistakes, and simply to live life to the fullest.
A mass flash mob filled the streets with music and movement, and a charity ham cutting helped seal the warm, community‑minded atmosphere. ASSIDO described the day as proof that inclusion is not just a slogan, but something that can be expressed in art, music and shared moments in the heart of the city.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Murcia
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