Dear friend,

Last week, for organised corporate fun times, we went to a "Bob Ross painting workshop". Turns out, no matter how desperately untalented you are (me) a good teacher can help you churn out a half decent piece of 'art'. So this week's inspiration comes from the painting of happy little accidents and tree friends we made. It's all about using creativity as a tool to do good.

• Do you know about Favela Painting? They recently painted a former prison that's going to be a new home for refugees with fellow artists.
• No matter what the intention behind it, art might not be always good for the world. 'artwashing' is a real problem, especially in big cities where gentrification is kicking people out of their homes.
• I've recently had the chance to watch Breaking the Circle: a movie about how women in Brasil are breaking into the male-dominated Samba culture. Watch it if you can and read more about it here.
• The film was based on this article in The New York Times by Shannon Sims on what it means for women to be breaking the Samba circle.

• What does art have to do with air pollution? The AIR Network is using art and culture to tackle air pollution in Nairobi.
• Studies have shown that arts and culture can actually add to the job market, job creation and therefore promote economic growth.
• Filmmaker and feminist trailblazer Agnes Varda passed away last week, her art was radical and world-changing. If you want to know more about her, start by watching Varda where she explains her oeuvre and continue with Gleaners & I.
• Did you know that music can help people with dementia be happier and live in harmony? Research shows that music therapy has significant physical and mental health benefits for dementia patients.