{"id":87705,"date":"2019-05-01T11:43:13","date_gmt":"2019-05-01T15:43:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wend.ca\/?p=87705"},"modified":"2020-03-15T12:18:22","modified_gmt":"2020-03-15T16:18:22","slug":"the-wonderful-street-art-of-getsemani","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wend.ca\/?p=87705","title":{"rendered":"The wonderful street art of Getseman\u00ed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getseman\u00ed used to be really dangerous. Drugs and prostitution happened openly on the streets and locals were reluctant to be outside at night; security bars adorn all the windows of once crumbling buildings. Historically, this was a marginalized community outside the walls of the rich, affluent fortified city.<\/p>\n

But, like many other culturally rich but monetarily poor communities (e.g. the Mission in San Francisco and Harlem in New York) this community has transformed from an authentic, impoverished, tightly knit community that is mired in crime to one fighting a new invader: gentrification.<\/p>\n

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Big chain hotels are all vying for space in Getseman\u00ed to accommodate a growing high-end, boutique tourist economy; people are being pressured to sell their 200-year old homes and leave the only community they’ve ever known. This pushes out a culturally rich spirit that draws artists and bohemian free spirits who love to explore this type of neighbourhood.<\/p>\n

We’re lucky to have experienced Getseman\u00ed in a semi-transformed but mostly authentic state. We’re blessed to have had the opportunity to meander the streets and talk openly to the welcoming people who live in the community.<\/p>\n

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While here we heard stories and witnessed the street art that documents the community history, their struggles, and the people that make up the communal tapestry.<\/p>\n

Many of the stories revolve around gentrification and how locals are fighting for the right to stay in their homes. <\/p>\n