We build community through urban typography
TypoValpo is an ongoing project; a long-term project that aims to build community through urban typography. TypoValpo was created with the initial idea of collecting the original typographies of the city of Valparaíso and sharing them on Instagram: wall scratches, iconic shop signs and messages between neighbors. From all this wealth, our inspiration was born.
Very soon the account began to have a life of its own. Followers began to share the typographies they saw on their daily journeys around the city, therefore creating a community, allowing a reflection by the TypoValpo team around the living heritage that is urban typography, and how it evokes stories about the community itself. Although the typography itself is not a living or intangible heritage, we define living heritage as the connection generated by these material signs, between a territory and the community that inhabits it.
We use the adjective "alive", precisely because being a digital community, the idea of heritage is generated in real time, according to the current relevance that the community gives to a certain sign or message
On the other hand, visibility of urban typographies sharpens and strengthens the visual perception of the daily journey. One begins to look at the city with aesthetic eyes, with alert senses, coming closer to the way of perceiving when visiting a museum, but a much more open and dynamic museum, producing a reflective enjoyment.
TypoValpo is a hybrid project, with no borders or limits set. It includes, rather than excludes, it is digital but at the same time physical and both local and global where everything that helps to fulfill our purpose fits.
It’s a project that looks at the 21st century in a positive manner, using social media as a tool of impact in the construction of community.
It is a multidisciplinary project that unites typographic design, history, heritage, development of digital communities, cultural management and cultural tourism; being one of its great strengths and why it is such a contemporary and relevant project.
We are connected with a growing global community that, through the internet and social networks, is activating this social and patrimonial look towards urban typographies
Both in Valencia and Japan, Vietnam, New York and more, there are people collecting, preserving and creating active communities and citizenships with urban typographies. TypoValpo wants to become a voice in this worldwide activism.
Everyone is invited to be a part of it.
What is next with TypoValpo?
We have a bunch of ideas ! Next steps…
Get to show Abecedario Porteño in many places
Develop TypoWorld, a global network of local communities that aims to connect people through urban typography
Expand our message with our custom workshops “Discover your city in TypoValpo mode”