Bogotá is known as one of the cities with the most graffiti in the world, and this is no accident — local policies have led the city government to support, fund, promote, and teach urban art. But how did this come to pass? Today we tell the story of a 16-year-old graffiti artist and how his parents’ fight led to the streets of Bogotá being painted without fear.

Find the English transcript of “Painted Bogotá” here. Or check out the Spanish transcript here.

In an internet full of noise, Radio Ambulante Studios is still committed to deeply reported stories about real people and real lives. But we can’t do it alone. This journalism exists because people like you decide it matters. Our goal is to raise $40,000 in the coming weeks to keep telling the stories of Latin America and Latino communities. DONATE TODAY HERE and help sustain our independent journalism.

Ask us anything! We’re preparing a special episode with listener questions about anything related to Radio Ambulante. To participate, send us a voice note with your name, where you’re listening from, and your question to the WhatsApp number at this link. The number is (+1 555 917 9841).