**Artistic Transformation of SITT Stations in Tijuana**
The stations of the Tijuana Integral Transportation System (SITT) will become vibrant artistic venues as part of the “Ocupamos el SITT” project this Saturday, September 28, reported the collective “Mover la ciudad.”
Founded by Rudy Argote and currently coordinated by Elizabeth Hensley and Daniel Gómez, “Mover la ciudad” is staging the second edition of “Ocupamos el SITT,” an initiative aimed at fostering collective imagination for sustainable mobility in Tijuana.
“The ‘Ocupamos el SITT’ project invites collective imagination to promote sustainable mobility in Tijuana,” stated the collective, which first launched the project last year.
**The First Edition**
The inaugural edition of “Ocupamos el SITT” took place in 2023, driven by “Mover la ciudad.” The collective emerged from the concern of citizens witnessing the neglected state of a public project that initially promised significant improvements in urban mobility. Despite the multimillion-dollar investment, the system only transports a few hundred people daily, with many stations still incomplete. This situation raises the question of why it isn’t a more significant issue given the daily congestion and the lack of effective local public policies for safe, accessible, efficient, sustainable, and inclusive mobility.
Motivated by these concerns, the collective began organizing in February 2023, planning impactful actions to express public dissatisfaction and suggest decisive measures aligning with the current mobility and public safety policies, as enshrined in the reform of Article 4 of the Mexican Constitution. In July 2023, they occupied and intervened in eleven SITT stations under the title “Ocupamos el SITT.”
Comprised of artists, architects, designers, educational institutions, civil associations, and citizens, “Mover la ciudad” aims to organize public discontent and encourage collective action for more humane mobility in Tijuana through a multidisciplinary approach and the free exchange of ideas.
**The Second Edition**
This year’s edition of “Ocupamos el SITT” will feature various artistic interventions at several SITT stations, coinciding with the World Design Capital San Diego – Tijuana event on September 28. Activities will include workshops, discussions, and exhibitions in disciplines such as dance, music, cinema, architecture, painting, sculpture, fashion, and street art.
The program includes activities at multiple stations:
– **Terminal Centro:**
– 11:00 a.m.: Inauguration
– 11:30 a.m.: Presentation by Architect Nora Márquez
– Throughout the day: Allegorical designs on mobility themes, urbanism interventions, urban photography exhibitions, and activities from the Urban Cyclist Workshop.
– 5:00 p.m.: Presentation by Architect Alita Escobedo
– 8:00 p.m.: Closing concert
– **Estación Calle 3ra:**
– 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Screenings of student work, public interviews, and a mosquito net sculpture installation.
– 12:00 p.m.: Dance-theater piece by Love Loba.
– **Estación Jai Alai:**
– 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Small-format editorial space, urban collage exhibition, and various public talks.
– 5:20 p.m.: Performance by Luis Humberto Crosthwaite
– 6:00 p.m.: Book reading and presentation.
– **Other Stations:**
– Stations like Telefónica, Plaza Río, Palacio Municipal, Diana Cazadora, Pueblo Amigo, Garita Puerta MX, and Amistad will host a variety of initiatives, including accessibility projects, fashion installations, meme exhibitions, and various artistic performances.
### Additional Coverage on Artistic Interventions Worldwide:
**Art Revitalizes Urban Spaces Globally**
Around the world, similar initiatives have shown the power of art in transforming neglected urban spaces. For example, in New York, artists have turned subway stations and public spaces into galleries, offering commuters a moment of reflection and engagement amidst their daily routines. In Berlin, temporary exhibitions in abandoned buildings have sparked dialogues about history, memory, and urban renewal. These projects highlight the potential of art to activate public spaces, foster community, and inspire sustainable development.
In Sydney, the local government’s collaboration with artists has led to the beautification of utility boxes and pedestrian underpasses, while in São Paulo, street art has become a powerful tool for social change, addressing issues like inequality and environmental sustainability.
These global movements resonate with the “Ocupamos el SITT” initiative, underscoring the universal potential of art to reshape cities and influence public policy for the betterment of urban life.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for more updates on “Ocupamos el SITT” and other innovative urban projects.