071

Arte Útil archive nr:

071

Initiator:

Pedro Reyes

Location:

Mexico

Category:

politics, economy, environment, social

Users:

Pedro Reyes, local chain store, schools, inhabitants.

Maintained by:

Botanical Garden, Culiacán (2008); Vancouver Art Gallery (2008); San Francisco Art Institute (2008); Maison Rouge, Paris (2008); Lyon Biennial (2009); Marfa, Texas (2010); Denver, Colorado (2010)

Certification:

implemented

Duration:

2008 - ongoing

Pedro Reyes
-
Palas por pistolas

Description:

Palas por Pistolas involved the citizens in the public destruction of weapons using a steamroller in a military base. Subsequently the metal was reused to create shovels, which serve to plant trees. On the handle of each shovel blade there is a description that shows how the weapon has now become a peaceful instrument. The project was supported by a local TV station, which invited citizens to give up a weapon, and also, a local chain store which gave a coupon to be used for shopping by anyone who gave up a
weapon.

Goals:

To make the public aware that there is a direct relationship between crime and the number of weapons in circulation.

Beneficial Outcomes:

During the first campaign, 1527 weapons were collected.

Images: