Graphic Design: Thomas Gunnarsson
MEGASHOP & MEGABEATS
MEGASHOP & MEGABEATS is an upcoming national project for 2025–2026 that aims to engage young people with disabilities in who experience social exclusion across various regions of Sweden. Through interactive workshops focused on hip-hop's four elements, virtual reality, and collaborative learning, we aim to empower these youths by building their confidence, amplifying their voices, fostering creativity, and creating a sense of belonging.
Young people with disabilities often have limited access to support and resources, which can contribute to social exclusion. Reports from several disability associations in Sweden show that these young people frequently encounter obstacles in their education and in the transition to adulthood, which can lead to social isolation. Those who live in areas with significant socioeconomic challenges are particularly vulnerable to exclusion and criminal activity. A lack of resources and support can exacerbate these risks, making it essential to create and promote other social initiatives that can break the cycle and offer a more inclusive and supportive community landscape. Other studies and reports indicate that this target group has limited opportunities to engage in leisure activities with creative expression, which impacts their health.
The project consists of two main components: workshops and a documentary film. During the workshop sessions, the target group will explore and express themselves through the four elements of hip-hop—rap, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti—along with the innovative world of VR.
In the documentary we will follow the young participants in the workshops as they explore and express themselves through the four elements of hip-hop—rap, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti—along with the Virtual Reality (VR). Through workshops led by our passionate artists and pedagogues in both hip-hop and VR, these young individuals are given the opportunity to tell their own personal stories, discover new ways to express themselves, and create meaningful connections with others who share similar interests.
The project establishes collaborations with new artists and other community stakeholders across Sweden. Additionally, the aim is to connect different cities through a VR world that creates opportunities for the exchange of artistic expressions, inspiration, and networking.
The project team consists of professional artists in dance, music, graffiti art, photography, VR, documentary film, social anthropology, all with extensive experience in educational and social work. The team includes Angelica Piñeros, Arash Anbari, Klaudia Rychlik, Thomas Gunnarsson, and Tommy Molitor. In addition, adding extra flavor to the team, we are proud to have Daniel Savio and Jorge Olivares Rivas as collaborating partners.
With MEGASHOPS & MEGABEATS, FUNKTIONARTS is creating a platform where young people with disabilities have the opportunity to develop their abilities, increase their visibility in society, and contribute to the debate about their roles and diffabilities.