Ibu Movement to Spotlight Andean Artisan Traditions in Charleston

The gathering, presented by Bank of America Private Bank, will bring together more than 300 artisans, community leaders, and allies from 10 countries. By highlighting the intersection of heritage and commerce, the organization seeks to prove that traditional crafts remain a viable path toward prosperity for younger generations. Susan Hull Walker, founder of Ibu Movement, emphasizes that cultural knowledge survives only through tangible support, including dedicated workshops, reliable markets, and professional opportunities that allow daughters to envision a future in the trade.

Nilda Callañaupa, founder of the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco, will join Walker to discuss the ongoing efforts to protect Quechua textile traditions. The program also features insights from Hans Valdez of MIA Peru and Kennedy Leavens of Awamaki regarding the impact of infrastructure grants on artisan communities, alongside a presentation from the Cultural Sanctuaries Foundation. Beyond the discussions, the event will host a fashion show showcasing handcrafted designs from Ibu's global network. For participants and organizers alike, the focus remains clear: transforming historical techniques into modern economic engines rather than treating them as relics of the past.