With the support of Codelco División El Teniente, the Mauricio Pichuante Artisanal Center of Doñihue celebrated three years as a space for the rescue and promotion of local culture.

Pedro Jorquera, president of the Artisans' Association of the centre, said that "the balance is positive because there is a very important projection of the communal culture. Every year, people from different regions visit us and a spirit has been built around crafts and the rescue of local traditions that we want to maintain."

Support for this space is part of the Division's Territorial Development Strategy's plan to promote the local economy, which aims to promote sustainable economic progress in the localities close to its operations.

Cristián Sanhueza, director of Community Development in El Teniente, said: “We want to highlight their valuable contribution. Their contribution goes beyond the economy by supporting projects and actions that benefit the entire community and rescue local traditions.”

The centre has 13 permanent stands for entrepreneurs offering a variety of products in areas such as: natural cosmetics, food, jewellery, crafts, liquors, chacolí, chamantry and beekeeping.

Cultural center of the commune

This space was created to showcase and preserve the culture of Doñihue, a community known for its development of various crafts.

Diana Alegría, a chamantera from Tejiendo Tradiciones, commented that “before I only sold my fabrics online, but now I have a physical location, which is more personal and has been a rewarding experience. In the last two years we have increased sales and diversified our products.”

In addition to the entrepreneurs' stands, the centre offers free workshops for its visitors, managed with the support of the Municipality of Machalí. Among them are: polyphonic choir, illustration, jewellery, art and chamantry.

Roxana Venegas, representative of Emporio Doñihue, said that “here many activities are carried out that promote circular trade between small entrepreneurs, artisans, organizations and food suppliers. The idea is for this space to be a meeting point.”

The Doñihue Artisan Centre is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 14:00, and offers specific operational tours. In addition, various events and activities are held annually for its visitors.