Artists Who Signed the Peace Agreement Use Culture as a Tool for Reconciliation
Eight Years After the Peace Agreement with the FARC-EP, Two Initiatives Show How the Arts Are Helping Former Combatants Work Toward a Peaceful Colombia, reports the Ministry of Culture of Colombia.
In the heart of Bogotá’s bustling Plaza de Bolívar, Liliana López sits at a stall proudly displaying handmade crafts, sharing her story and the story of the collective she helped create after signing the Peace Agreement with the FARC-EP. Liliana, who still goes by her former guerrilla name, Olga Lucía Marín, explains that, while she is a woman who firmly believes in peace, she also remains loyal to her ideals and the political struggle she fought for—now, however, without weapons.
Sitting beside her is Luz Patricia López, a woman who could be mistaken for her twin. “She’s my sister,” Liliana says, gesturing to Luz Patricia. “We spent over 30 years without being able to see or talk to each other. Reconciliation has been key—not only between us but also with society.” The two women are part of Las Manuelitas, a collective that was born out of the Peace Agreement. They use their artistic creations as a tool for healing and reconciliation. At their booth, various products catch the eye: necklaces, bracelets, educational toys, and T-shirts with printed silhouettes of women, representing their community’s strength and resilience.
Olga Lucía, now a leader of the collective, shares how Las Manuelitas came together in Valle del Cauca and has since grown to include members in Bogotá and even Mexico. Today, the group works in three main areas: textile workshops, jewelry-making, and creating educational materials for children. They also hold pedagogical sessions where they discuss feminism, political education, gender perspectives, and peace-building. Their space, which they call Café Parlante, isn’t just about work—it’s also about connection, whether through karaoke, dancing, or simply sharing time together.
Reflecting on the Peace Agreement, Olga Lucía admits, “It was worth it because we couldn’t keep losing more lives. The country needed to stop the bleeding, and the agreement was an important step.” Despite the challenges and the realization that many things remain undone, she still believes that more than 80% of people agree that progress has been made. “And this fair demonstrates that,” she adds, smiling at the vibrant display of local creativity.
Not far from their booth, another initiative is taking place—Tejidos Chakana, founded by Mateo Perea, who also participates in the fair. Mateo, an artisan and historian, uses beadwork to create art that reflects both personal and collective memories. His project, which started in 2020, brings together former combatants, victims, soldiers, and their families in a collective process of weaving and healing. Through the intricate beadwork, people commemorate lost loved ones and reflect on the trauma of war. The products they create—beaded portraits of victims and other symbolic pieces—have traveled internationally, with exhibitions in the United States, Mexico, Bolivia, Lebanon, and South Korea.
“Peace is the future,” Mateo declares firmly. “It’s the only way forward for us as a society.” He acknowledges the long road ahead but points to the fact that many former combatants and victims are now contributing to society by creating art, working in small businesses, and, most importantly, not returning to violence. “This is already a victory for the country,” he says, pointing to the woven art displayed at his booth as proof of the ongoing transformation.
These initiatives, rooted in the commitment to peace, demonstrate how culture and the arts are powerful tools for reconciliation in post-conflict Colombia. Whether through handcrafted jewelry, beaded portraits, or shared conversations, the peace signatories are showing that the path to healing can be woven through creativity and mutual understanding.
Latina Republic envisions a world where the beauty and resilience of Latin American and Caribbean cultures are recognized and appreciated globally. By amplifying the voices of artists and cultural custodians, we strive to cultivate a deeper understanding of the region’s challenges and triumphs. Our goal is to inspire greater appreciation for the arts as a tool for empathy, unity, and transformative social change. Through our work, we aim to equip all stakeholders with essential insights for addressing regional challenges, ultimately enriching the global cultural landscape and portraying the victories and hardships of everyday life in Latin America.
