“Untangling the merino” arose from verifying that Spain and Extremadura are significant producers of merino wool, The lack of infrastructure prevents it from making it profitable and obtaining the corresponding added value of its products.. During the restrictions caused by the pandemic, Some Spanish producers of merino wool rugs — who usually make their products outside of Spain — tried to manufacture in Spain., but it was not possible due to a set of factors, starting with the lack of laundries and other infrastructure necessary for wool processing and weaving..
The Ras de Terra cultural center located in Villanueva de la Vera (Caceres) opened its doors a year ago, in September 2021. The walls of the old rehabilitated tobacco drying room, which houses its headquarters, came back to life. One more time, the regenerative power of art projected its transformative magic onto a geography of abandonment. In March of the same year, Ras de Terra was chosen as a strategic partner of the New European Bauhaus—the first in Extremadura—in this way., joined the European effort to think about future and better ways of living.
Since its beginnings, Ras de Terra has focused on building innovative proposals where culture—in its broadest and most inclusive sense—together with regenerative agriculture and initiatives to combat climate change generate processes of change., in rural areas. Processes always open to dialogue with the local and the exchange of knowledge with other actors.
The Ras de Terra proposal is specified in three axes: an annual program of workshops on different disciplines (architecture, permaculture, literature, photograph…), the call for residencies for creators, and the development of cultural activities and events. All of this, under the common denominator of the regeneration of the rural environment and environmental sustainability.
Coinciding with its first anniversary, Ras de Terra and the Provincial Council of Cáceres, present “Detangling the merino”. An artistic project, social and environmental whose objective is to raise awareness among citizens about the situation of merino wool in our country. The proposal addresses the universe of merino wool and its current problems from the point of view of art., the design, the craft, livestock and activism.
This multidisciplinary project, led by women, wants to emphasize the extraordinary potential of merino wool and its enormous social and environmental benefits. For this, There will be an exhibition of works by outstanding creators of contemporary textile art., the realization of several performances, as well as various conferences by professionals in the sector. A large collaborative tapestry will also be carried out with the help of expert artisans, and where all participants will be invited to contribute and live the knitting experience.
The entire event will be documented through a catalog and video, It will also be disseminated on social networks and through the media.
The objective is to promote knowledge of merino, create direct contact with the territory and its artisans, and artisans, as well as promote this industry to achieve a positive impact in rural areas.
“Desenrendando la Merina” It is organized by RAS de Terra Diputación de Cáceres, with the support of Acción Cultural Española for the residences, Junta de Extremadura and with the sponsorship of Gan.
