ABOUT US
ChileMakers is an organization that seeks to promote and commercialize contemporary and traditional Chilean crafts in markets that value fair trade, originality and sophistication in each design. ChileMakers was born in 2009 aiming to nurture and promote knowledge and commercial exchange between Chilean designer-makers and Europe, with a special focus in the UK.
MISSION
Our aim is to be recognised as a commercial and cultural platform for promoting Chilean crafts in the UK, thus becoming a sensible and reliable channel for Chilean artisans to propagate their works, processes and cultural richness. At the same time, we seek to establish sustainable and fair trade relations in all the stages of the chain from sourcing, production, and commercialization. We believe this is essential for preserving the production of craftworks as a way of life and a sustainable manifestation of traditional cultural heritages.
HOW?
·Through our Website: this is our main platform of marketing, communication and commercialization. It features original photos and videos that narrate the history of products and its manufacturers as well as the technique that underpins each design. The website also offer an online shopping interface in which UK visitors can purchase all of the Chilean unique products. Our prices represent the value of contemporary design as well as the handmade work oriented to a public that appreciate fair trade. Our aim is to be a step forward in the possibility of Chilean artisans to become craftsmen as a way of living.
· Through The Lab: in this section we create spaces for experimentation and cultural exchange in order to develop new knowledge and experiences. A space to learn and teach, were the interchange between experts and amateur, artisans and designer-makers, Chilean and British, can be developed. A space where failing is much important than succeeding.
· Through exhibitions and fairs: we organise exhibitions in the UK to showcase and promote the creativity of Chilean designer-makers and artisans. This also includes the participation in renowned fairs in London which offers the public an opportunity to get into latin american crafts.
In November 2009 we launched our first exhibition show, called "Re-Thinking Chilean Crafts: contemporary jewellery in horsehair" hosted by the Chilean embassy. Here we showcased photography, videos and handcrafts made by rural Chilean designer-makers based in a rural village called Rari, located 300 kms. south of Santiago. Rari's female designer makers use an extravagant and centenary technique based in dying and weaving the hair of white horses. Based in this rare animal fibre these women have been working along with Chilean professional designers to produce a delicate and varied array of forms ranging from miniature basketery to sophisticated pieces of jewellery. The event was a success where more than 200 visitors came including important UK-based designer-makers from the Basketery Association.
We are currently organizing more shows, exhibitions and workshops are also part of our plan. There are many other crafts and artisan communities that we want to incorporate to the ChileMakers platform over time. So, if you are interested in nurturing our project with ideas or designs please keep in touch. We will appreciate your interest and we promise to continue bringing to the UK the very best of Chilean crafts.