ARUDEKO

ARUDEKO preserves cultural heritage and improves the livelihoods of artisans by creating high-quality textiles using traditional natural dye techniques, ensuring fair pay and sustainable income.

Mexico's handicraft sector faces two critical challenges: the loss of knowledge and cultural heritage, and the undervaluation and underpayment of artisans. With the creation of toxic chemicals like aniline dyes, many artisans stopped using natural dyes, leaving behind generations of knowledge and jeopardising cultural heritage. Additionally, artisans often face unfair remuneration and a lack of appreciation for their craft, with 'craftsmanship' frequently associated with poor quality and, in the informal trade in Mexico, 'haggling' negatively affects the commercialisation of artisanal crafts, as well as the income for artisans.

ARUDEKO – which stands for ARtisan, Union and DECOration – is a social enterprise working to recover cultural heritage by collaborating with artisans who still preserve the tradition of natural dyes to create textiles using a pedal loom.

ARUDEKO bridges the gap between artisans and designers, fostering innovation through collaborative design projects. By providing materials, technical training, and fair pay, ARUDEKO ensures the production of high-quality textile products using traditional techniques. This collaboration encourages exchanging ideas, blending contemporary design with age-old practices, and offering artisans a sustainable livelihood.

For clients, ARUDEKO offers bespoke textile solutions, from concept and fabric selection to the finished product, including cushions, rugs, tablecloths, curtains, and bedspreads. These products are not just textiles, but a unique blend of contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship, making them a compelling choice for those who value artisanal techniques. For artisans, the partnership ensures a fair and stable income, often 60% higher than informal work, while preserving their weaving skills passed down through generations. The artisans' close collaboration with designers results in unique, contemporary designs that maintain traditional craftsmanship.

ARUDEKO sells unique, personalised design textiles to individuals and companies that value artisanal techniques. The enterprise collaborates with boutique hotels and is keen to establish strategic alliances with corporate clients to enhance sales and positively impact artisan communities.

Programme Support

Through the Mexico Accelerator Programme, we'll support ARUDEKO in expanding its business and impact. We'll support the enterprise in further improving work and warehouse spaces, with dedicated areas for dyeing and storage and developing strategies for recruiting and training new artisans to increase sales volume. We look forward to supporting ARUDEKO as they preserve cultural heritage and improve livelihoods for artisans in Mexico and beyond.