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Learn a little of our history,
and become a part of it.
What is La Fábrica ?
We are an independently run space dedicated to creativity, knowledge exchange and community development in the city of Puebla, Mexico. We believe that artistic creativity is a fundamental human right and a tool for social change.
La Fábrica's origin
The building was constructed almost 100 years ago. At first, it was a combination residential and manufacturing space where the Mendoza family lived and ran a galvanized metal workshop. Over the years, family members moved out of the building and the workshop began to occupy the entire space. The factory had decades of prosperity making everything from big steamers for tamales to milk cans, tubs, buckets, toys, and other metal utensils. Towards the end of the 20th century, with the advent of the free trade agreement and the spread of cheap plastics, the factory went bankrupt and had to close its doors in 2000.
Collective Action
Efforts to restore the abandoned factory began in 2017. Thanks to many dedicated volunteers over the years, we’ve been able to renovate several spaces, including two classrooms, a photography studio, a darkroom, an art studio, a carpentry workshop, a small store, and a rooftop terrace. Our collective effort has given us the opportunity to build solidarity and grow our community of artists and activists. All of this work has led us to reflect on the power and capacity we have when we work together.
Feminist collective
Las Obreras
Las Obreras is a group of eight women between the ages of 24 and 34. We are all professionals, creators, hard workers, feminists, and strong believers in the power of the collective. We are in charge of overseeing everything from building maintenance and administration to fostering culture and ensuring the project’s economic solvency. We also run La Fábrica’s social media and manage shows with emerging and established artists, working with our partners to create a community for everyone.
«We are all professionals, creators, hard workers, feminists, and strong believers in the power of the collective »
We are women who work for our community, friends and colleagues
with the same objective to fulfill.
Mission
To provide a collaborative and creative collective space. To offer workshops, talks, expositions, viewings, and meet-ups along with other opportunities for building a creative community in downtown Puebla.
Vision
To serve as a platform to support local artists. We seek to turn La Fábrica into an entirely worker-run and led space, where we are able to earn a liveable wage and continue to offer free and accessible cultural opportunities for children, youth, and adults.
Objectives
To build a strong collective of women managing the space and its activities.
To foster community development through art and cultural exchange.
To collaborate with feminist activists and collectives in the fight for women’s rights in Puebla.
To serve as a platform that promotes local artists in their current work and nurtures future artists.
To offer free and low-cost activities for children and youth.