There are initiatives that change lives, and Ensamble Artesano is one of them. In the midst of COVID-19, artisans faced the harsh reality of having to pause their sales throughout México. In response to this, and thanks to the generous donations of multiple organizations, Ensamble Artesano had the opportunity to co-curate a collection with more than 15,000 pieces, each made by artisans from 18 states.
The result goes beyond boosting the sale of handmade products, supporting families, and providing people with new opportunities. Ensamble Artesano has created a learning platform to achieve better practices. This ranges from design and production strategies, promotion and sales, respectful work with distinct cultures, and fair trade.
Six months after starting the project, Ensamble Artesano launched an online platform to sell handcrafted pieces and features textiles made with traditional techniques and representative elements from each area. Now, a year later, they have begun the process of professionalizing the artisan sector, reflected in the launch of a showroom in Mérida, Yucatán.
The showroom is located inside Taller Maya, in front of Parque de Santa Ana. There you will find a significant exhibit of decorative pieces, hammocks, garments, furniture, and more. Each object has a label that shares information about the artisan and the origin of the product, revealing more about the techniques and motifs.
With the capital obtained from sales, they plan to launch a new program that will continue strengthening the work of the artisans who are currently part of the initiative. In other words, they want to give back to artisans and continue providing distribution and growth opportunities.
Ensamble Artesano is supported by important organizations such as Fundación Haciendas del Munda Maya, Design Week Mexico, Taller Maya, Estafeta, and Caralarga. It is also advised by the United Nations Development Program in México (UNDP) and Igeneris.
Editorial by Olivia Camarena
Yucatecan communicologist. Your favorite Assistant Editor. Writer, blogger, and bookstagrammer in her spare time. She also experiments with TikTok.
Photography by Viridiana and Ensamble Artesano for its use in Yucatán Today.
Talent: Renata Pereira y Abel Sánchez
Photo: Viridiana
Styling: Rodrigo de Noriega
Production: Fabiola Pérez Solís
Makeup: Claudina Vázquez
Assistants: Yesenia Lope y Natalia del Río
Location: Tekik de Regil by Catherwood Travels and Private Haciendas
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