We are a non-profit organisation that has been working since 2009 as a platform for interdisciplinary artistic projects, often involving territorial processes. Stimulating cultural exchange and dialogue, we seek to contribute to the consolidation of artistic practice and critical thinking in Colombia. The foundation’s Chocó Base in the Colombian Pacific has been a source of inspiration for artists and professionals from other disciplines to explore social and environmental issues.
Más Arte Más Acción is part of the Arts Collaboratory (AC) network of 25 organisations from around the world that focus on artistic practices, social change processes and working with communities beyond the field of art. Arts Collaboratory is a meeting point to share knowledge, collaborate on projects and build emotional and financial support together.
MAMA has grown considerably since its formation, achieving articulated work in projects such as Episodes of the South of the Goethe Institut (2015-2017), Sinfonía Trópico (2015), Rogelio Salmona Fellowship of the British Council (2016-2019), with organisations such as the Ministry of Culture, Prince Claus Funds, Cartagena Film Festival and Tierra Digna, among other allies. In 2022 it was one of 14 groups invited to help the documenta fifteen artistic team build the lumbung programme in Kassel, Germany.
In 2023 MAMA took a year to reflect on its practice, which resulted in a set of cards called ‘Provoke to Think’ with reflections and questions for players.
In 2024-25 MAMA is developing a series of interventions in scientific and cultural events called Around a Tree, connecting people and plants. Ecology, botany and the arts will come together around a tree – a circular installation that will host collective actions, readings, walks, soundscapes and dialogues. Writers, artists, scientists, activists, visitors and guests from a variety of fields will share knowledge, art, stories and emotions.The activations aim to better understand the relations of plants, people and climate change.
Personal plant stories and contributions from botanical experts will be recorded to build a collective sound recording. This soundscape is an evolving artwork that will travel to other such as the UN’s COP16 Biodiversity Conference in Colombia (Cali, 2024) and the Sao Paulo Bienale.
Equipo Central
Fernando Arias
Jonathan Colin
Paola Pérez Castañeda
Contabilidad
Margarita Benítez
Elsa Cuevas
Matilde Niño
Chocó Base was designed in order to create a space for reflection and critical thinking. To create something really extraordinary, we invite Joep van Lieshout to imagine and design this space. This video takes you on a visit to MaMa’s main house and the Chocó Base designed by Joep Van Lieshout, located 40 minute by boat south of Nuquí, by the Colombian Pacific coast. More about the Chocó Base here. The construction of Chocó Base was made possible thanks to the support of Arts Collaboratory and the Mondrian, Hivos and Doen Foundation