The tertulia story
Anyone who knows me knows that I am lifelong lover of the arts, and that I am passionate about the arts as a tool to make our world a better, and more equitable and just place. My inner circle also knows that I have a passion for intercultural learning and exchange, and a deep appreciation for the diversity of the human experience. I’ve been fortunate to live and/or work in countries such as Mozambique, Haiti and Venezuela. Along the way, I’ve learned Portuguese, Spanish and French, which has been so important in my ability to build bridges and understanding.
I first learned the word “tertulia” when I was living in Maputo, Mozambique. Of course it’s a word that’s been in use for many years but within the context that I first learned it, tertulia was used to describe a certain kind of party with Mozambicans, expats and the arts/cultural crowd-- sometimes there might be a performative aspect to the party (i.e. someone performing music, dance, poetry, etc.). I like the spirit of the tertulia and I want to recreate that with events in Boston--a global mashup of immersive experiences that uses the arts to bring people together.
Tertulia is founded upon my vision to provide platforms for local and international artists from around the world—artists who disrupt the dominant narrative, teach us about other realities and ways of life, and speak out against many different forms of injustice. My reflections on the incongruity of the arts in a capitalist society led me to think about selling fair-trade products that connect to Tertulia programming—products that I find beautiful and unique, and want to share with others.
At its core, Tertulia embraces the basic concept of social enterprise and the philosophy that the sale of these fair-trade products will make an impact on the lives of the artisans who make them, with the profits earned also supporting Tertulia’s arts programming in Boston.
Tertulia seeks to serve different needs in different communities by providing artists and artisans from near and far with yet another platform to access audiences and markets, and by providing U.S. audiences with experiences that allow for deep connection and transformation through immersive cultural experiences. If, as a result, I help advance the career of an artist I admire; assist an artisan’s family with school fees in the Southern hemisphere; or inspire a breakthrough in social consciousness for a U.S. audience member; I will consider Tertulia a success.