In Barcelona, a collective of artists known as “Street Cy₿er” is starting to gain popularity in other cities around the world. They started as two graffiti artists from Barcelona who gradually opened the door to other street art and Bitcoin enthusiasts. Today, the collective has over a hundred street artists and Bitcoin enthusiasts, including musicians, activists, and journalists. The collective’s goal is to decorate the concrete of major cities with the image of Bitcoin.
The project's founder (who wishes to remain anonymous) told us that the collective is open to everyone, specifying that they welcome all people who share their values and their vision of a more equitable future, regardless of their background or artistic experience. "He added that "our movement is not elitist or exclusive: it is about collective action by a community of autonomous individuals who are passionate about using art and technology to come together to create positive change."
Remind the world that bitcoin is an alternative
Thus, the grayish walls of the metro, stations or bus stops are regaining color (orange) thanks to the Street Cy₿er collective. The objective is then to combine business with pleasure while spreading strong messages about Bitcoin.
“I began my art and activism project under the name Street Cyber in 2022, driven by a deep-rooted passion for social justice and a strong belief in the transformative power of art. My inspiration was born from a growing awareness of the limitations and injustices inherent in traditional financial systems, particularly the centralized control and exploitation of individuals by governments and financial institutions.”
Street Cyber
“Change the money, Change the world”
What is interesting about the works signed by Street Cy₿er are the messages that are broadcast. Many "slogans" or expressions specific to the Bitcoin universe are thus relayed in order to arouse the curiosity of passers-by.
StreetCyber’s founder told us that “Bitcoin has the potential to revolutionize the financial landscape and empower individuals to take back control of their finances. My art often highlights Bitcoin’s censorship-resistant, borderless, and decentralized nature, symbolizing its ability to break free from the constraints of traditional financial systems.”
“Buy Bitcoin, Don’t Fund the State”
For example, "Buy Bitcoin, defund the state" wants to encourage people to think about how Bitcoin can reduce the role of the state in people's lives.
There is certainly a certain political dimension of the collective. It is relatively easy to understand the cypherpunk message of building a society that flourishes through the individual freedom of individuals who voluntarily cooperate together. For example, we can also read slogans linked to the fact that Bitcoin could limit the financing of wars.
Print Books, Not Money
Thus, through Street Art, the collective also seeks to show that Bitcoin supporters seek to build a better, fairer and more equitable world. A certain idea of Bitcoin can catch the eye of passers-by and make them think.
StreetCyber believes that education is the foundation for informed decision-making and empowers individuals to challenge the status quo and create a more just society. He also believes that governments have a responsibility to prioritize education and invest in programs that promote critical thinking, financial literacy and civic engagement.
“By equipping individuals with knowledge, we can create more informed and engaged citizens who can hold governments to account and shape a more equitable future,” according to comments collected by ZoneBitcoin.
The founder of StreetCyber reminded us that the collective is open to all participation. It is also not necessary to have artistic talent to join them. He reminded us that "while artistic expression is a crucial component of our work, we believe that creativity and passion are much more important than technical skills. Our movement is open to anyone who wants to learn, contribute and collaborate."
An initiative that has become global
The Street Cy₿er collective has grown since its beginnings in the city of Barcelona. Today we can see collages or graffiti in other European cities including Berlin, London, Madrid, Tallinn, Riga and Prague.
“While our primary focus is Barcelona and other European cities, we are actively expanding our reach and engaging with individuals and communities around the world. We believe the message of financial empowerment and social justice is universal, and we are committed to using art to connect with people from all walks of life and inspire them to join our movement.”
Of course, the larger the collective, the more Bitcoin artwork there will be on the streets, and the more "visible" it will be.
Street Cyber tables
It is also possible to purchase acrylic paintings from StreetCyber on its store. The tables are -unsurprisingly- related to Bitcoin, with different formats and styles. On the store, you can also find stickers or posters.
We asked StreetCyber how we can support them. He told us that there are different ways to contribute to the movements. The main way to support the collective and share what they do.
- Share related works and messages on social networks. The collective has a page on Twitter as well as an account on Instragram.
- You can also talk about it orally to your acquaintances, and possibly take a photo of the works when you meet them 😉
It is also possible to support financially (in bitcoin, for example) by purchasing works on the shop or by participating in fundraising that may be organized.
You can also join the movement, participate in discussions on upcoming projects and give your ideas as well. The collective also organizes awareness events and workshops for which volunteers are required.
In the words of StreeCyber, “every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference. Together, we can create a more equitable and empowered world.”
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