Bringing Amazonian art to Manchester families

Once again, we partnered with the Whitworth for a dynamic half-term collaboration, offering families a rich and diverse creative programme inspired by the work of Peruvian indigenous artist Santiago Yahuarcani of the Aimeni (White Heron) clan of the Uitoto people - see below for some examples of his work.

Inspired by his current exhibition The Beginning of Knowledge, for three days during half-term, we offered children and families opportunities to explore den-building, mud-painting and storytelling, weaving in themes of ancestral knowledge and the spirit world.

Project producer Beatrice described the programme as ‘a beautiful experience, everyone has been very calm and chilled’ as participants engaged with their creativity, sparking joy and connection with nature throughout, and drawing inspiration from Yahuarcani’s use of natural pigments and bark-cloth to convey origin stories and Indigenous cosmology.

Parents attending praised the sessions: one noted:

‘We're very happy today, everything is well organised with plenty of resources and consumables for our four and seven-year-old.’

Other wonderful feedback included:

‘Absolutely amazing! So creative, great for kids, and [project producer] Olivia is great with them too!

‘I had a great time!’

‘Love it’

‘So much fun’

‘I love the activities so much’

‘I had fun’

‘Amazing’

‘Super fun’

‘I had an amazing time today’

‘I love it’

And the accessible and inviting format supported families from Manchester’s diverse communities to come together in a welcoming space.

Our workshops encouraged participants not just to produce art, but to connect with ancestors, spirit worlds and Indigenous worldviews, themes that run deeply through Yahuarcani’s paintings of Amazonian life, displacement and hope.

And as his exhibition emphasises, to quote Yahuarcani:

‘To my ancestors the land was more than soil and stone… our mother, who is indeed sacred and alive.’

See you next half-term!

The exhibition Santiago Yahuarcani: The Beginning of Knowledge runs at The Whitworth until 4th January 2026.

Your support helps Afrocats continue to create creative-safe and inclusive spaces in Manchester for children and families facing barriers - visit our Join Us page to get involved.