ARTESANÍA: Economic Empowerment through Creativity for Local Latina Women

This program creates economic equity and empowerment for women that have been historically marginalized through employment opportunities in the production of handmade goods, bringing value back to their inherent creative expression as well as the  traditions that many of these women carry.

Through this program, Circle works with a community of women who recently immigrated from Mexico, and Central America who are now living in Kingston. This initiative is focused on engaging these women in an inclusive space for participants to achieve economic prosperity and an outlet for their creativity. This program creates the opportunity to develop valuable skills that provide meaningful work and can help them to establish new income streams.

In this past year we offered participants employment opportunities around the production of handmade masks, craft kits and costumes for our special events, bringing value back to their inherent creative expression as well as the  traditions that many of these women have brought with them from their home countries. We’ve worked with over 30 women on this program this past year and are continuing to develop long lasting relationships. 

This year we are continuing to focus on handmade leather mask and costume production for upcoming special events that Circle produces for the public.

“Circle Creative provides work for these talented immigrant women who create these products with pride and independence. We feel so grateful that these women have a safe outlet for their skills, and inspiring means of support created with their own two hands.”
–Lesley Gallagher, Ulster Immigrant Defense Network

Made possible with your support and The City of Kingston’s ARPA Program.