Murmur Ring, a leading experience design company, in collaboration with Empathy and the Institute of Design, is extending a special invitation to artists, designers, creators, and various artistic professionals. They are offering an exclusive immersion program titled 'Reclaiming Value: Sacred Valley Design Immersion,' scheduled to take place from June 15 to 19, 2026, in the breathtaking Sacred Valley of Peru. This initiative stands apart from typical tourist offerings, focusing instead on fostering profound creative exchanges rooted in extensive research and deep-seated relationships with local communities. Participants will gain unparalleled access to the artistic traditions, innovative methods, and community-centric approaches that define the region's most groundbreaking work.
This immersive journey is carefully crafted to inspire new perspectives, cultivate meaningful collaborations, and equip participants with fresh ideas that can redefine their professional practices. The program will feature intimate visits with Peruvian innovators and makers, providing a rare glimpse into their world. These encounters are designed to be transformative, enabling a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture and its rich artistic heritage.
Among the esteemed artisans highlighted for the immersion are Awamaki and Cerámicas Seminario. Awamaki, whose name signifies 'made by hand' in Quechua, plays a crucial role in connecting women weavers from the Andes with global markets. Through their efforts, these women gain essential business skills and achieve financial independence, helping to sustain their communities for generations. The immersion will lead participants into the mountains to witness this impactful social enterprise model firsthand.
During their visit with Awamaki, participants will have the unique opportunity to meet the women weavers in their native villages, observing their traditional practices. They will learn the intricate process of harvesting raw fibers and dyeing them naturally using plants, minerals, and ancient techniques passed down through centuries. Master artisans will provide hands-on training in age-old weaving methods, allowing participants to experience these crafts directly. The experience will be further enriched by sharing a homemade meal prepared by the artisans, fostering a deeper connection. Additionally, participants can purchase textiles directly from the cooperatives, ensuring that all proceeds directly benefit the makers, supporting their livelihoods and cultural preservation.
Cerámicas Seminario, established over three decades ago as an individual artistic endeavor, has blossomed into a flourishing studio. It masterfully integrates ancient artistic expressions with a bold, contemporary aesthetic. This family-operated enterprise is not only a celebrated hub of innovation in Peruvian ceramics but also a vital economic force within its community. The immersion offers participants the chance to meet founders Pablo Seminario and Marilú Behar, who will lead a studio tour and engage in a Q&A session. They will share their journey to success, from their initial explorations in clay to their dedication to building a community-focused business. Participants will observe artisans meticulously shaping, carving, and firing ceramic pieces, and will partake in a hands-on ceramics workshop, where they will learn ancient techniques that have shaped the studio's distinctive style.
MIL Centro exemplifies a profound convergence of culinary arts, land stewardship, traditional crafts, and ancestral knowledge. Far exceeding the scope of a typical restaurant, it operates as an inventive research center committed to the preservation of indigenous Peruvian crops, the revival of endangered agricultural practices, and the long-term support of communities that have cultivated and lived off this land for centuries. This model embodies a deep respect for heritage, empowers local populations, and pushes the boundaries of what food and art can represent. During their visit to MIL Centro, participants will engage in foraging for native plants alongside local land stewards, discovering their diverse roles as sustenance, medicine, and craft materials. They will gain insight into how Andean communities safeguard their local ecosystems and will utilize foraged plants to hand-dye and weave natural fibers. The experience culminates with a multi-course meal, each dish inspired by the unique characteristics of eight distinct Andean microclimates, offering a culinary journey through the region's diverse terroir.
This program is designed to create lasting connections and provide a unique cultural experience that transcends typical tourism, fostering a deep appreciation for the rich artistic and communal spirit of the Sacred Valley.
