Maluma’s influence goes beyond being a global Latin music sensation — as the artist also looks to make an impact in communities near and dear to him. He founded “El Arte de los Sueños” to provide adolescents access to the arts and training. The institution is based in Medellín, Colombia, Maluma’s hometown.
“In the month of October of 2016, the Londoño Arias family decided it was the moment to turn their gratitude towards life into concrete actions that would allow others to have opportunities in art in order to build a life project based on respect, happiness, creativity and overcoming adversity,” reads the “El Arte de los Sueños” website. “This is how on the 6th of October they decided to register the foundation The Art of Dreams.”
The organization’s mission is to give disenfranchised youths an opportunity to learn about and express themselves through art, specifically Latin music. Participants can choose from various musical occupations to allow them a chance to explore.
Kids who are part of the foundation’s outreach will get to partake in graphic arts, dance, singing, percussion, and composition. Its mission is to have these educational opportunities prepare the kids to create a strong understanding and foundation in reggaeton, rap, and hip-hop.
“For me, the foundation is a place where you will not only sing, dance, and percussion,” reads a testimonial from Laura Serna, a student. “There in the foundation we learn that it is the discipline, the effort, the desire, the perseverance, the persistence, it is a place full of life, there you feel full, very welcome, where it gives you an immense joy to go, you are surrounded by very good people, and without a doubt there we learn to dream that dreams do come true.”