18/05/2026
.qui painting a street art mural of Aida Quicué in Leith Edinburgh in May 2026. John Quiroga is a multi disciplinary Columbian artist . He has painted twice before at Quality Yard (see other photos). It's always a pleasure to have him paint.
Aida Quicué, is a Colombian politician and indigenous civil leader who has served as a Senator of Colombia since 2022. A member of the Alternative Indigenous and Social Movement, she has served as a human rights advisor for UNESCO. She has led dozens of indigenous mobilizations, urging the national government to take action against the rampant violence affecting Colombia’s indigenous territories. Undeterred, indigenous communities throughout Colombia have continued to seek out and promote knowledge throughout colonization, 55 years of civil conflict, and other more contemporary challenges. Their successes include formalizing indigenous education whereby narratives are determined at the local territorial level, yet certified nationally. But Aida is also adamant in stressing that such efforts are easier said than done, as many influential stakeholders are historically eager to discourage wider engagement and commandeer development programming for their own benefit. As Aida argues, “local communities and the organizations that represent them need to play a more central role in developing and leading programs that truly educate and empower those stakeholders best positioned to promote a more peaceful Colombia.
Aida Quilcué has been confirmed as the Vice-Presidential candidate for the progressive Historic Pact (PH) party ahead of May’s elections. Since being elected to the Senate in 2022 as a candidate for the MAIS indigenous party, having previously served as a governor in the Cauca Indigenous Regional Council (CRIC), Aida has supported full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement, protections for indigenous territories and the environment, measures to tackle sexual harassment and the passing of social reforms to tackle inequality.
Thanks for reading this far, David
Quality Yard is a 360⁰ painted courtyard & street art panels in Maritime Lane.
