Project Launch: 2-8-23

Playa de Oro is an Afro-Ecuadorian community of 500 people in the northern Esmeraldas province. Settled by escaped, enslaved African people fleeing Colombia, this community has historically been a cultural touchstone for Ecuadorians of African descent. Community Organization Mujeres en Libertad directly intervenes and supports women and children during domestic violence episodes, and organizes workshops for survivors focused on healing and self-esteem. The present project seeks to train a professional dance troupe and musical band that will be able to perform traditional Afro-Ecuadorian music and dance at a local, regional and national levels. Through a series of music and dance workshops from professional artists, 30 community members between the ages of 6-30 years will participate in strengthening their cultural roots. The initial group of 30 professionally-trained performers will in turn be able to tour, work, and train others over the years.