The Quipus Cultural Foundation (QCF) is a non-profit organization
established in 1985 by a group of prominent
Bolivians. It is concerned with the promotion
and preservation of the cultural and artistic expressions of Bolivia's diverse
ethnic groups. Compared to many other South American countries, Bolivia
has maintained its pre-Columbian traditions and identities. Its rural and
urban citizens are highly influenced by Andean and other indigenous world
views. The dynamic mixing of these and Western world-views creates rich
art, craft and culture.
The principal strategy that the Foundation employs is to stimulate the active
interest of Bolivians in their pre-columbian and colonial history, and their
understanding of the processes that have created today's multi-cultural
society. Unfortunately, this effervescent culture is not legitimized within
the educational system which teaches history from colonialism on, even though
more that 60% of the population speaks a native language. The Foundation
is designing a Museum of Bolivian Arts and
Cultures in La Paz to accomplish these goals, and is creating interactive
theater programs in Sucre for children to learn about the culture of indigenous
groups throughout Bolivia.
The introduction of interactive and non-formal education is a key Foundation
strategy to allow children to explore, play, learn through self-motivation
and increase their creativity and self-esteem. This is a strategy that responds
to limitations in the current educational system, which is rigid, based
on memorization and strict discipline. Children from multi-ethnic and socio-economic
backgrounds are not encouraged to explore their potentials and build upon
their multiple identities. The Children's
Museums in La Paz and the Tanga Tanga Children's
Museum in Sucre are the Foundation's response to these needs and
include interactive exhibits and programs on the environment, technology,
health, creativity, psychomotor and pre-school development.
The production of indigenous and popular art is one outcome of Bolivia's
cultural diversity. Masks, textiles, ceramics, featherwork, religious art,
embroideries and jewelry have a long tradition but society does not appreciate
the aesthetic and productive value of these crafts. The Foundation's Craft
Development Program is opening up markets, integrating traditional
designs into products, training craftspeople and organizing promotional
campaigns to raise the public's awareness of Bolivian ethnic and popular
art.
The documents that follow describe the Foundation's Laikakota
Cultural Complex in La Paz (which includes the Children's Museum,
Craft Development Program and Museum of Bolivian Arts and Culture) and also
describes the Tanga Tanga Children's Museum
in the City of Sucre.
Mail or packages from the United States can be forwarded to the Foundation
via this address:
For more information about the work of the Quipus
- Bolivia Cultural Council in the United States feel free to contact:
