Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
UNESCO, with support from Tala Mexico, is implementing a project to strengthen the economic sustainability of the Totonac Cultural Arts Institute’s (CAI) pedagogical activities by empowering women teachers who preserve Totonac living heritage. The project aims to equip these women with tools to safeguard their cultural systems, promote a cultural and financial economy, foster sustainable creative practices, and uphold gender equity, as women often lead in managing and transmitting this heritage.
The initial phase includes teachers from six of CAI's fifteen House-Schools: traditional Totonac pottery, cuisine, community tourism, painting, cotton-related arts, and music. Participants will develop a roadmap with organizational actions and business plans, linked to community-based tourism experiences. This approach is intended to decentralize and diversify economic opportunities year-round within the CAI.
The project seeks to help continue Totonac cultural practices and support economic sustainability, not only in the main village of Papantla but also in surrounding communities connected to artisan and traditional cook teachers taking part in the initiative.