TuYo Foundation - MEXICO

“TuYo Foundation is an organization based in Amsterdam, founded in 2021 by a team of artists and artisans. Their mission is to preserve and promote traditional textile techniques while supporting local communities with environmentally and socially responsible practices.

TuYo’s pilot project takes place in Xochistlahuaca, Guerrero, Mexico, in collaboration with the Amuzgo indigenous community. The project focuses on addressing the challenges faced by local weavers and providing practical solutions to improve their livelihoods. TuYo envisions a future where these communities can thrive with fair wages while maintaining their cultural identity and breaking free from stereotypes.

Inês Queirós, founder and director of TuYo Foundation, is a Portuguese textile artist and researcher committed to preserving endangered textile cultures. With expertise in natural dyeing and weaving, she wishes to inspire communities to revitalize ancestral practices. For Inês, textiles transcend their material function, they are living stories, fostering social connection and empowering women.

Gabina Valentín López is a talented Amuzgo weaver from Xochistlahuaca, Guerrero, Mexico, and winner of the Galardón Nacional de Textil 2024. She started weaving at nine, learning her community's indigenous symbology from the women in her family. After migrating to Mexico City, Gabina made weaving a nightly ritual to stay connected to her roots. Dedicated to preserving her heritage, she travels throughout Mexico to promote and sell Amuzgo weavings while advocating for women’s empowerment, ensuring the craft’s vitality for future generations. As a key collaborator at TuYo Foundation, Gabina plays a crucial role in preserving textiles and empowering indigenous communities.”

- From: https://tuyofoundation.com/