Original article: Fotografiar la historia y sus huellas: Iniciativa de La Araucanía inicia agenda nacional de presentaciones en Sitios de Memoria

Documenting History and Its Footprints: La Araucanía Initiative Launches National Presentations at Memory Sites

In a context marked by tensions and setbacks in the defense and promotion of human rights policies in Chile, the initiative Cartography of Memory Sites in La Araucanía: A Photographic Approach will kick off in November with a series of presentations aimed at broadening the reach of its works and contents, sharing an artistic experience that intertwines photography, territory, and historical memory with new audiences.

The programming will begin in Santiago and will continue across various venues, fostering discussions around the traces of the dictatorship and the importance of preserving and passing on these memories to new generations.

Funded by the Regional Fondart 2026 in the diffusion line, this initiative seeks to extend the work done in La Araucanía through a digital platform, audiovisual materials, publications, and conversation opportunities. 

According to Lissette Ruiz, photography allows for an exploration of places from a perspective that connects sensory experiences with historical memory.

“Photographing these spaces is not merely about recording a location. It also involves questioning what stories linger there, what footprints we can recognize, and how images can contribute to the circulation and sharing of those memories by new generations,” she states.

Alicia Hernández highlights the value of testimonies in constructing the audiovisual narrative.

“This work has enabled us to connect with individuals whose experiences and memories are essential for understanding the history of these territories. Listening to their testimonies is part of a recognition process and a transmission of memories that must not be relegated to forgetfulness,” she emphasizes.

Santiago: Photography and Memory in Dialogue

The first event will take place on Saturday, November 7, from 12:00 PM, at the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, located at Matucana 501, Santiago.

Under the title Photographing Memory: A Sensitive Cartography Experience in Wallmapu, the day will present the project and open a discussion space about the significance of memory sites, photographic documentation, and the transmission of territorial memories.

The organizers will be joined by Verónica Tenorio, daughter of Einar Enrique Tenorio Fuentes (D.D.), and Guillermo Riedemann, a poet and psychologist. The event is free and does not require prior registration.

Throughout November, the team will continue its tour with the following dates:

Friday, 13th, 3:30 PM, Museum of Memory, Neltume
Wednesday, 18th, 5:00 PM, Auditorium of the Cultural Center of Angol
Friday, 20th, 5:00 PM, Tourist Showcase, Melipeuco
Thursday, 26th, 6:00 PM, Memory Site Miraflores 724, Temuco

“This effort gains special significance in a scenario of growing concern over the continuity of public memory and human rights policies in the country, as the 2027 Budget Law project proposed by the current government includes significant cuts to resources allocated for the National Search Plan and memory sites, including the elimination of funds for investments in these spaces,” the team behind the initiative recalled.