Cuerpo Sur gives a platform to young Latin American artists
Cuerpo Sur Foundation (Chile) supports young Latin American artists. They receive guidance in developing their social art practice through an intensive training programme. This programme provides space for new perspectives and encourages the shared imagining of an alternative future. The connection with nature and local communities plays an important role in this.
Space for imagination
In 2020, theatre makers Luis Guenel Soto and Ébana Garín founded Cuerpo Sur, a non-profit foundation that promotes interdisciplinary art projects and encourages exchange between artists from across Latin America. This provides a platform for stories and experiences that are heard less often, even beyond the borders of their own countries.
Communities first
In 2023, Cuerpo Sur launched the Avanzada Sur training programme, supported by DOEN. In it, artists collaborate with local communities and explore the relationship between nature and tradition. The programme has proven successful and will be followed by new editions in 2025 and 2026.
“Our programme gives artists the opportunity to create work that did not exist before, to imagine possible realities, and to believe that what each of them does has value and the power to create another possible world.”
Ébana Garín, one of the founders of Avanzada Sur
“The diversity of thinking and contexts in this programme makes collaboration challenging. I think it’s important to be aware of this. It is something that we as a society must learn to deal with carefully.”
Andrea Solano, artist and participant in Avanzada Sur in 2024
The programme in 2025 and 2026
Every year, six Latin American artists under the age of 35 take part in the programme. They receive free guidance and work with communities in the Melimoyu Reserve, the Atacama Desert and on the island of Chiloé-Patagonia. The tailor-made programme includes various activities, such as technical and practical assignments, lectures by guest speakers and showcasing their work to a broad national and international audience.
“The Avanzada Sur programme is very important for Latin America, because the working conditions for artists here are very complex and diverse. I think there should be more programmes like this so that more artists have the opportunity to explore and create from within the community.”
Andrea Solano, artist and participant in Avanzada Sur in 2024
“The impact of Cuerpo Sur extends far beyond the Avanzada Sur programme itself. Young Latin American artists are not only developing their social practice – using art for social change and engagement – but are also spreading this approach within their communities and beyond.”
Emma Hogendorp, programme manager, DOEN Foundation
Avanzada Sur
The DOEN Foundation supports Cuerpo Sur thanks to the players of the Postcode Loterij.