Neltume, in the commune of Panguipulli, faces real social and geographic barriers to cultural life: significant poverty, limited access to basic services, and low average schooling, alongside a large indigenous population whose cultural richness deserves to be preserved and shared. Sitting over an hour from Panguipulli itself, the town has little regular access to arts and culture of any kind.
The project
The festival brings free, quality artistic programming directly to Neltume and the surrounding area, with local and regional artists leading performances, participatory workshops and family activities open to everyone. Rather than asking residents to travel for culture, the festival brings it to them, creating real spaces for encounter, participation and learning.
Built on equitable access to culture, community participation, sustainability and local identity, the festival treats Neltume's natural and cultural heritage as a genuine source of artistic inspiration, strengthening residents' sense of belonging. It also brings together artists, organisations and the community in ongoing collaboration, with environmental respect and responsible use of resources built into every stage of the event.
Who the project is for
The project's direct beneficiaries are around 200 people who take part directly in the festival's activities, from families and children to older residents and visitors interested in the area's art, culture and heritage.
Its impact reaches further, to an estimated 400 people, through the festival's wider outreach, the strengthening of community ties, and the promotion of Neltume's artistic and cultural heritage.
Project name: XII Festival del Bosque: Cultura y Comunidad en Neltume
Proposing organisation: FUNDACIÓN HUILO HUILO
Area of intervention: Environment & Sustainable Communities
Country: Chile