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Commercialization

The Fundación Chol Chol has established a commercialization process that both assures a fair price for the work of the artists and acknowledges the cultural importance of the revived ancestral dyeing and weaving techniques of the Mapuche.

The commercialization system is based on a rotating fund that allows the foundation to buy textiles from artists and to pay them 30 days later, regardless of whether that artist's piece has been sold or not. The rotating fund also assures adequate sales of the textiles.

There are two stages within this commercialization process: the first relates to the work of the artist (production) and the second to the commercialization efforts of the foundation (sales).

First stage:

1. Material credits: The artists may obtain a credit of raw material, sheared wool, in order to spin into yarn and use for their textiles.
2. Textile submission: At this stage, the craftswoman gives her textile product to a Foundation monitor, who checks it in accordance with the quality standards of the Craftwork Regulations (which regulate size, colour and designs), and adds it to the stock of products which the Foundation has for sale.
3. Payment: The Foundation pays the full value of a textile to the artist one month after submission of the piece, regardless of whether that piece has been sold or not.

Second stage:

The commercialization of these textiles is an independent process that is based on:

1. A salesroom at the Foundation
2. Sales at exclusive stores domestically and internationally
3. Participation in markets, events, and regional, national and international expositions

Impact

1. Increase in income: Currently approximately 28% of the artists' family income is from submission of their textiles to the Foundation. This money is principally used towards their children's education or household needs.
2. Sustainable income: This is thanks to the commercialization of innovative textiles.
3. Decrease in rural flight: Less artists are leaving the countryside thanks to their ability to generate income within their traditional rural surroundings. This helps families maintain and strengthen their connection to the indigenous community, and is part of a greater plan to preserve the Mapuche culture.
4. Increase in self-esteem: The artists are increasing their capacity to generate income through their own work. Furthermore, they experience more autonomy in their own development and make more of their own decisions.
5. Promotion of fair trade: Given that this is part of a global fair trade movement, the artists feel valued and appreciated-both professionally and personally.

It is clear when one sees the weavers associated with the Foundation that this commercialization process has improved and continues to improve the weavers' quality of life, in terms of family income as well as individual and social empowerment.

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