Itinerancias: A Journey of Cultural Exchange and Collaboration

I would like to share my experiences with the Itinerancias program! A series of collective encounters created by La Ortiga Colectiva. This incredible initiative for knowledge exchange has brought together diverse voices from rural Cantabria to explore the intersection of culture, Art, heritage, territory, community among others.

For those who don’t know me I am from the region of Cantabria in northern Spain, this region is mostly rural and it faces a number of ecosocial challenges such climate change, extractive practices in rural territories, unstable economy, mass tourism, youth migration, access to housing or other basic services.

In Itinerancias, I had the privilege of participating as one of the experts in two memorable sessions:

The Final Panel Discussion in July focused in the importance of dialogue and cultural rights in rural territories. We tackled challenges and opportunities facing local communities in Cantabria, exploring topics such as:

• Preservation of cultural heritage: How can we protect and promote the unique cultural traditions of rural areas including tangible and intangible heritage?
• Community empowerment: How can local communities be empowered to shape their own development and future?
• Cultural rights: What are the essential cultural rights of rural communities, and how can these rights be protected and promoted?
• Transdisciplinary collaboration: How can different fields of knowledge work together to address the challenges facing rural areas?
• Art: What can be the role of Artistic practices in such processes?

In this discussion I shared space with incredible diverse experts including: Ricardo Antón (Colaborabora), Amanda Díaz Ubierna (Camino Lebaniego Foundation), Lucio González (senior technician in forest and natural environment management), María Montesino (coordinator of Itinerancias), Carlos Zamora Gorbeña (CEO at Deluz) and Jazmín Beirak (general director of Cultural Rights of the Ministry of Culture of Spain)

"Itinerancias. Intangible Heritage: Cultural Landscape and Territory": In May, I had the opportunity to share the discussion with inspiring individuals from various fields, including academia, Art, and local businesses of Ramales de la Victoria (Cantabria). We explored the significance of intangible heritage in shaping our cultural landscape and fostering community resilience. Some of the key topics discussed included:

• The role of intangible heritage in rural development: How can intangible heritage be leveraged to promote sustainable tourism and economic growth?
• Preserving traditional knowledge and practices: How can we ensure that traditional knowledge and practices are passed down to future generations?
• The importance of community involvement: How can local communities be actively involved in the preservation and promotion of their intangible heritage?

In this session, I shared such meaningful space with Ana Belén Marín Arroyo (Professor of Prehistory at the UC and director of EvoAdapta), Paula Martínez (artist and coordinator of Palmo), David Perez (Ronquillo Restaurant), Lucio Gonzalez (forestry and livestock technician), María Montesino (sociologist, La Ortiga Colectiva) and Ángel Astorqui (archeologist, La Ortiga Colectiva).
 
These experiences have been truly enriching, allowing me to connect with active agents in the territory where I am from, aiming to face together such challenges with experts who trully make an impact in the local dynamics. Thanks a lot, to all and in special to La Ortiga Colectiva for inviting me for such meaningful discussions.

#derechosculturales #Itinerancias #Cantabria #Spain #CulturalHeritage #CommunityEngagement #Ruralterritories #artisticpractices #culturalrights

Photos by: La Ortiga Colectiva, Ricardo Antón and Seila Fernández Arconada