Hurrah, our team returned from an uplifting cooperation visit to Guadeloupe with a sparkling representation of Madeira—its flag, its people, and its projects.
The goal? To bridge the gap between two distant islands—Madeira and Guadeloupe—through collaboration, creativity, and shared values.
This visit was part of an exchange program related to our recent project ECHOES OF THE ISLANDS: A TALE OF TWO TERRITORIES n°: 2023-2-FR01-KA210-ADU-000183766, co-funded by the Erasmus Plus program of the European Union.
This was in response to association ÎLE Y A our Caribbean partners' visit to Madeira in June 2024.
Representing a diverse consortium of organizations—including the ARTE.M Association, the feminist association UMAR, Polo de Emprego Escola da Apel, and the NGO SocioHabita, which manages multiple community centers in Funchal—we traveled to Guadeloupe eager to forge new connections and deepen existing ones.
Fostering Collaboration
In Guadeloupe, we met with several NGOs to share experiences and explore potential projects. The enthusiasm was mutual, and we are confident that this partnership will lead to innovative initiatives linking Madeira and Guadeloupe.
One highlight of our trip was visiting local artisans and craftspeople who are redefining sustainable craft and tourism on the island. Their work showcased how creativity can drive economic growth while respecting the environment—a concept we’re excited to apply back home in Madeira.
Hands-On Inspiration
We participated in a masterclass led by the talented Nefertiti, who taught us to create beautiful jewelry from natural materials and seeds. As she introduced us to Guadeloupe’s unique flora, she explained how local plants are incorporated into eco-friendly production. This idea resonated deeply with us, and in January, we plan to replicate this workshop using Madeira’s native plants.
Sustainable Business Models
In addition to creative workshops, we explored models for establishing small sustainable businesses—a critical tool for projects aimed at empowering marginalized and creative youth seeking employment. Craft and eco-tourism, as we saw in action, offer sustainable paths to economic independence, and we believe Madeira can benefit from similar approaches.
Another unforgettable experience was a visit to a vibrant indigo atelier by the ocean, where we transformed old T-shirts into stunning eco-friendly art pieces. Master Pierre, a storyteller as much as an artisan, shared the fascinating history of indigo on Guadeloupe. Introduced by Indian workers in the 18th century, indigo has become a cultural symbol of the island. Through this hands-on craft, we learned about Guadeloupe’s rich history—a method we’re eager to integrate into our own educational programs in Madeira.
Art and Culture: A Vibrant Exchange
As an arts association, we were captivated by Guadeloupe’s dynamic cultural scene. Our partner, Iléa, curated fantastic art tours, including stops at street art sites and graffiti murals. The capital of Guadeloupe is a fascinating blend of traditional Caribbean architecture and stunning urban art. One standout example was an independent art center located in a repurposed building in the city center. The space, provided rent-free by local authorities, is a hub for local artists to showcase their work and collaborate. This model is a shining example of how urban art can promote artists while enriching the cultural identity of a city.
Sustainable fashion studio -Where Old Becomes New
And a true highlight of our visit was the upcycling atelier L’admerane, and its creative director and lead fashion designer also founder of the brand Cyrikaë.
This gem is located in a welcoming community in one of the towns in Guadeloupe. It’s a place where the magic of transformation happens—old clothes are turned into stunning new pieces of wearable art. The space also includes a cozy second-hand shop offering a carefully curated selection of pre-loved treasures.
What makes L’admerane even more unique is that it provides sewing machines for rent, giving visitors the chance to create their own pieces—or even an entire upcycled collection. Our association was particularly excited about this visit, as we are proud ambassadors of Remake movement
Moreover, we discovered a wealth of content for our anti-fast fashion blog, REColour, where we share stories, interviews with sustainable designers, and guides on vintage shopping, textile selection, and clothing care. L´admerane’s vibrant energy and mission left us inspired to keep exploring and promoting sustainable fashion! vibrant energy and mission left us inspired to keep exploring and promoting sustainable fashion!
What’s Next?
Together with our partners, we are planning an exciting exhibition: Madeira and Guadeloupe—Echoes of the Islands. Launching simultaneously on both islands on February 21, the exhibition will showcase traditions, cultures, photographs, and artifacts collected during our visits.
This journey has proven that, despite the miles between us, Madeira and Guadeloupe share a common spirit of creativity, resilience, and sustainability. We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in the future!
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