Cultural Mediator
Carolina Echeverria has been deeply involved in cultural mediation activities since 2013, long before the term gained widespread recognition. Her initiatives aim to foster understanding and connection within communities through creative and collaborative projects.
Appreciative Inquiry
“It is better to speak of what can unite us rather than what does not.”
Being a cultural mediator requires sensitivity, patience, and an observant mind—one that is always attuned to the subtle moments when connections emerge. Nurturing these connections takes action, and finding the right artistic activity to help them grow requires imagination. I call this Weaving Unity. As a mediator, I navigate the complex interactions between cultures, bridging gaps in understanding and communication. This role extends beyond translating languages; it involves interpreting the nuances of values, beliefs, and traditions. Through my work, I strive to foster empathy, respect, and mutual learning between individuals and communities. By facilitating meaningful exchanges and promoting cross-cultural dialogue, I aim to contribute to a more harmonious and interconnected world—one where diversity is not just acknowledged but truly embraced.
Weaving Unity
Teambuilding workshop
Weaving Unity is a unique team building initiative designed to address this need. Grounded in principles of active listening, storytelling, and collaborative creation, this month-long activity offers participants a transformative journey towards celebrating diversity and building a cohesive workplace culture.
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Through these initiatives, Carolina continues to demonstrate the transformative power of art in promoting cultural dialogue and inclusivity within communities.
1000 Flowers for Allende
2022-2023
Serving as the Artistic Director, Carolina led six cultural mediation workshops honouring the 1000 days of Salvador Allende's presidency. Artists taught participants how to make fabric flowers, which were later displayed around Allende's portrait at the Écomusée Du Fier Monde.
Neighborhood Slipper – Pantoufle du Quartier
2021-2023
This successful cultural mediation project, funded by the Ville de Montreal for two consecutive years, involved offering traditionally knitted slippers to guests as a warm welcome. Carolina presented the project at the Ville de Laval to inspire other cultural mediators, emphasizing its role in fostering cross-cultural artistic and craft approaches.
Chez Nous Chez Vous
2020-2021
Carolina organized a series of workshops and artistic performances facilitating intercultural exchange on immigration. Participants created objects to be given as welcome gifts to new arrivals, contributing to a sense of community in Montreal.
Arpillera - Être Ensemble par l'Art et la Culture
2019-2020
Carolina brought together women from the Côte-des-Neiges and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhoods to express their thoughts and feelings through embroidery.
Troc Cadeaux
2019-2020
This initiative celebrated cultural exchange by considering each immigrant's cultural baggage as a gift to be shared. Carolina organized numerous workshops and ceremonies led by Aboriginal and culturally diverse artists, emphasizing the enriching value of cross-cultural interactions.
Ni Perdon Ni Olvido
2019-2023
Carolina created a commemorative dress for Chileans in Montreal, highlighting the struggles of those who suffered exile and persecution during historic events. The project was funded by CAM (Conseil des Arts de Montréal) and culminated in a memorable exhibition at Écomusée du Fier Monde.
Photo: www.carrerapix.com
“It is better to speak of what can unite us rather than what does not.”
- Carolina Echeverría