After two years of continuous work with the FUNFAI foundation, Ruta del Castor presents a new format of artistic residency involving children and mothers deprived of liberty. Guest artist Julia Reyes Retana is currently working with both groups in monthly sessions, acting as a liaison that seeks to foster sensitive encounters and expand empathetic forms of dialogue.

This new eight-month format emerged following a period of impact evaluation and an assessment of the community’s evolving needs. During the first six months, we have established a close bond with the group of mothers and children. Their participation in artistic proposals has become an effective vehicle for dialogue and expression. This, combined with the recording of their verbal narratives, has allowed us to get to know them better and understand some of their perspectives on motherhood in prison.

Julia’s practice, inspired by literature and creative spaces of drawing and sculpture, has functioned as an engine of integration for the entire community. The groups include children of all ages, and even caregivers have joined spontaneously whenever their work responsibilities allow.

The residency will culminate in the unfolding of a textile piece—a tablecloth-library that brings together the voices of the community.