Viviana Varela is a dedicated choreographer, dancer, and cultural manager who has passionately preserved and promoted the Galápagos Islands’ cultural identity since 1989. With a strong foundation in Basic Education and extensive experience in Ecuador’s leading cultural institutions, she has left a lasting impression on her community. As the founder of CENDA in 1994, Viviana has empowered local artists and paved the way for young talents to flourish, creating positive societal change through the arts.
The project Roots and Wings for the Future: Danzareco addresses the limited access youth in the Galápagos have to artistic, cultural, and environmental activities. It creates spaces to overcome social and personal barriers that limit development, while strengthening the islands’ cultural identity, which is threatened by increasing outside influences and environmental challenges. Through training in performing arts and circular economy-based sustainable practices, it empowers youth and adults to express creativity and pride in their heritage.
The program also supports skill development for earning income through creative entrepreneurship, fostering community engagement and resilience rooted in the unique cultural and natural heritage of the Galápagos.
The procect aims to empower 60 youth and adults through training in performing arts and sustainable practices. The project fosters creativity and self-expression by teaching participants to design and sew bags and accessories from repurposed garments—textiles that carry personal memories and cultural stories. This creative process not only strengthens cultural identity but also promotes a circular economy by reducing textile waste and making efficient use of existing resources. By combining artistic development with environmental awareness and entrepreneurship, Danzareco creates opportunities for income generation while reinforcing community cohesion and supporting the sustainability goals of the Galápagos Islands.
SDG 4 – Quality Education: By training 60 youth and adults in performing arts and sustainable design, Danzareco provides valuable tools for personal and professional development.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Participants gain skills that enable income generation and foster creative entrepreneurship.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Through artistic activities that strengthen cultural identity and belonging, the project helps build more cohesive and resilient communities.
SDG 12 – Responsible Production and Consumption: By creating products from unused garments with history, Danzareco promotes circular economy practices and reduces waste.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Collaboration with local organizations and institutions builds a support network that enhances the project’s sustainability and community impact.
| Phase | Activity | Buget |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Training in Performing Arts and Sustainable Design | Workshops in dance, artistic expression, design, and creation of recycled products. | $2200,00 Require Funding (The value includes 10% of Overhead for the administration of the Co-Galapagos initiative) |
| Phase 2: Implementation of the Circular Economy | Workshops on textile recycling techniques and the creation of products (bags and accessories) from recycled garments. | $1760,00 Require Funding (The value includes 10% of Overhead for the administration of the Co-Galapagos initiative) |
| Phase 3: Presentations and Exhibitions | Organization of artistic presentations and product exhibition event. | $1100,00 Require Funding (The value includes 10% of Overhead for the administration of the Co-Galapagos initiative) |
| Phase 4: Monitoring and Evaluation | Evaluation of the project's impact and collection of testimonials | $330,00 Require Funding (The value includes 10% of Overhead for the administration of the Co-Galapagos initiative) |
