Peru – Memory

From 22 to 28 March, the first mobility activity in the framework of the Memory project was taken place in Bujama, Lima, Peru. In this event, we are more than happy to have the participation of members from Italy (The Academy of Fine Arts in Naples and Fondazione Restoring Ancient Stabiae), Greece (Action Synergy), Vietnam (CSDS) and Peru (Asonedh).

The seminar’s timeline was structured in alignment with the main steps of the project: Identification, Valorization and Promotion.

On day 1, all members worked in teams at Identification of collective memory through a simulation method which required them to create common memories including 4 senses: see, hear, touch and taste. In the afternoon, they interacted with the Peruvian artists by joining the cajon workshop and traditional dances. Cajon is a heart of Afro-Peruvian Musical Heritage for its rhythms and tunes that can recall the Afro-Peruvian’s history. It was such a great experience when every one could immerse in the beautiful rhythm of cajon and follow the Peruvian dances. The day ended by the visit to a nearby church to learn about how local people practice their religion. As noticed, religion plays an important role in daily life of people in Bujama.

Day 2 came with the topic of Valorization. Basing on the common memories created from the day before, participants brainstormed ideas to valorize these memories by focusing on 4 main methods urban art, story telling, recipe and board game. The outcomes were amazing! After this creative activity, each country presented best practices that their communities are doing to valorize the existing memories. In the afternoon, the Memory team met with the local fisherman at Bujama beach to listen to their work and life stories. At the end of the day, all members spent some time relaxing and bonding with each other at the beach.

**The most exciting day was here: The Memory – Bujama Festival day !!!**

All members supported the local people in the process of Festival organization. One team interviewed Peruvian people to identify the memories, another team supported with administration work, the other worked at Covid protocol, and the last team distributed the calendar to visitors. The Festival welcomed the visit of hundreds of local people. The main purpose of this festival is to promote the Afro-Peruvian culture through music, dances, clothes, food and souvenirs. The Memory team had a blast! What can be more memorable than an authentic experience which allowed them to be exposed more to Afro-Peruvian culture and customs?

On the next day, the whole team discussed Promotion methods. From the stories created and identified on the first day, then valorized, 4 teams worked at promotion by focusing on the following methods: branding, radio broadcast, mapping and festival. A lot of ideas were gathered and presented in very creative ways. The day finished with International Culture Exchange event among Vietnamese, Peruvian, Greek and Italian participants. More food, dances and songs from each country were introduced to each other. Through this, the relationship and bond among members across 4 countries were strengthened.

The last day was here!

Each country shared 10 memories that they have identified and the action plan on how to valorize and promote it until the next meeting in July. This is to keep track on how each country is doing and ensure the whole Memory team clear on the next mobility.

To conclude, the seminar was very successful. During this time, all members followed the Covid protocol strictly. On behalf of the facilitation team, we would like to send great thanks to the Peruvian team for the warm hospitality, to all members from Greece, Italy, Vietnam for making the seminar happen.