colectivo in si·tu
/ˌin ˈsīto͞o,ˌin ˈsēto͞o/
in the original place.
☽ reciprocidad ☽ comunidad ☽ INCLUSIVidad ☽
IN SITU BELIEVES IN
::: SUPPORTING ARTISANS DIRECTLY :::
::: just pay for creatives :::
::: inclusivity + reciprocity :::
::: FAIR PRICES :::
::: elevating indigenous voices :::
::: protecting ancestral knowledge :::
::: fighting plagiarism :::
::: ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE :::
::: intersectionality :::
::: collaboration + COLLECTIVE HEART :::
~~~ keep your eyes peeled for in situ’s new tiendita ~~~in situ is currently undergoing an exciting transformation! in the beginning, we used to ship from the source of each artesanía, but that was a tedious and eventually, unnecessary process. luckily, this is changing for the better!
in situ will be a pop up store in the near future (more details soonsoon), featuring artesanias from the wonderful artisans in different parts of mexico, pantry items, handmade jewelry by me, y mas. we will finally have physical product for local pickup - i will also be offering shipping directly from austin, texas again. each piece is always carefully chosen and purchased at a fair price to the artisan. a small % will go to in situ so we can continue this work.
IN SITU IS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING RE-CONSTRUCTION <3
colectivo IN SITU started out as an exclusively online platform. I am working hard to transform IN SITU into a physical pop-up or store in the near future. Stay tuned via instagram to see what community events we have coming up as well as some special (limited) artisan collections for sale.
la historia: IN SITU houses individual artisans as well as collectives of artisans who specialize in artesanal textiles and ceramics from Mexico. this platform was born from seeing how the initial shock of the covid-19 pandemic drastically affected tourism and the economy. communities of artisans suddenly had no one to sell their work to, their work at times being one of their only sources of income. Generally, agriculture is another source of income, so families tend to separate, while members of their families tend to their children or other matters in communities located hours away (many travel hours each day or spend long periods of time away from their communities in order to sell their work which may have taken weeks/months/sometimes years to make).
since 2020, IN SITU has been connecting and working with individual artisans and artisan collectives in Chiapas, Oaxaca, Edo. de méxico, Jalisco, and Chihuahua, and has offered an online platform for artisans to sell their work in order to
1. economically survive the pandemic by selling online and to a wider audience
2. be self-sustaining, cultivate or maintain autonomy
3. feel visible, have a voice, and tell their own stories, in their words, whatever they want to share with us
4. educate us about the work they do.
it took time to figure out how to initiate a conversation with the artisan(s) and how to express my intent with this collective, re-defining what it means to “help”, as that is a loaded term and concept that is colonial, invasive, destructive, and exploitative, so i applied and continue to practice a system of reciprocity with the artisans that has proven to work. Almost every artisan from 2020-2021 were able to sell and make some money directly, though since the end of 2021 while tourism became a bit more flexible (to the detriment of families and communities of artisans since tourists were only causing covid to spread) and mercados re-opened, some artisans have been able to continue selling in person again so this platform no longer makes sense for them. among them are taller corazon magico, mujeres sembrando la vida, maestra marisol agustín, colectivo valle de chalco, maria concepcion, y salsas la tapatia. i thank them for trusting and sharing.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
::: Join us for TIANGUIS No. 12 :::
PA LXS NIÑXS
2 June 2024 @ CASA DE RESISTENCIA BOOKSTORE
2000 Thrasher Ln, Austin, Tejas 78744
Raffle fundraiser for La Ciudad de Los Niños orphanage in Viguera, Oaxaca + Nepohualtzintzin workshop by Kalpulli Ayolopaktzin
ENTER THE RAFFLE! $10 per entry, unlimited entries.
Raffle open (and winner to be announced at) June 2 TIANGUIS.
Prize winner(s) will receive ofrendas by: Gabo Martinez, DMK Mud, Hijita, Pickle Envy, Corazon Verde Yerbas, Guerrera Tatuz, Kan Silonem, Santos Suerte, Terra Stoma, Armonía.
Instructions to enter raffle in photos below
or, instagram @colectivo.in.situ
FULL / FINAL PROGRAM TO BE ANNOUNCED.
in the meantime, most current updates can be found @colectivo.in.situ
INSTAGRAM ::: @colectivo.in.situ
encuentros culturales
For thousands of years, maiz has been a foundation of life, creation stories, ceremony as well the base of the diet and nutrition consumed by inhabitants of diverse lands throughout present-day occupied americas. Mesoamerica, (present-day) Mexico, and the subsequent cultures that have transformed, survived, and persisted would exist and can’t be understood without maiz. Corn is inextricably intertwined with the worldview of indigenous peoples until today.
Saturday platicas + panels w/ community altar at Nepantla. Sunday Feria de Maiz and Nepohualtzintzin at Casa de Resistencia.
Inspired by the Guelaguetza, Encuentro ATX is a conglomeration of mini-events, both virtual and in-person. Encuentro ATX celebrates indigenous voices through their art, activism, or re-interpretation of ancestral teachings. Events include documentary screenings (w/ Q&A), dance and musical performances, art gallery, outdoor market, workshops and more.
Daytime events at Earth Commons. Evening events at the Museum of Human Achievement. *Virtual interviews archive coming soon.*
Learn more about encuentro here <3
Inspired by the Guelaguetza, OAXACA PRESENTE is a celebration of Oaxacan people, cultures, danza, food, and traditions. Oaxaca is present in Austin, Tejas, and this is a celebration for the many Oaxaquenos surviving out here, a day to hear their music, taste their own flavors, celebrate their heritage, and also share it with everyone willing to embrace and rejoice in it all together.
Oaxaca Presente took place at Nixta Taqueria, one of the coolest places on this planet. Take a look at our archive <3
NEWS + blog
past earring collections
