Memories of HUACA 2025….

‘Pol Taylor’ Photograph by Emma Cassi (Edited)

Memories | 28.05.25

Hello!

Didn’t expect to hear from us so soon, did you?

It’s been a good two weeks since the event and while work on wrapping it up is still ongoing it is safe to say that HUACA 2025 is finally behind us.

Happy and exhausted as this was the BIG one. We don’t make a habit of chasing numbers, quality over quantity and all, but it was reassuring that our sixth edition — fifth in Mallorca — has been our best to date.

In terms of attendance, numbers of artists, projects participating, countries, and cultures represented, as well as diversity of craft, and total sales generated, it far exceeded all expectations.

It truly feels like XTANT has come into its own — not just as an event, but as a gathering and festival. I use those two words as they best fit the feeling we had being there: Intimate, joyous, and familiar.

The word on everyones mouth was ‘harmony’

A goal of our project had always been to create a cohesive space, to make the exhibition feel like a curated experience rather than the parcelled out collages that trade fairs tend to be. This year, it truly did feel like that ideal had been realised. The palace was transformed so vividly that the works on display or sale felt like they’d been there since it was built even as they were picked from the walls.

Thanks to our photographers’ work, we have a trail of photos from all over the island to remember these days by. So, as our last look back before we move on to our future work let us — very quickly — showcase a few glimpses of what XTANT 2025 was.

Photos by @leyre.lopezdelapaz

Photo by @engelengele

Did you know we take mail? It isn’t advertised or anything, but our inbox is open; and, while most of it is related to our work, we do receive more than a few letters about people’s visits. If you ever felt like making Kavita’s day, there you go, secret’s out.

This year, a week or so after the event had already passed, Paulina — from this years leadership programme — sent Kavita a message that spoke so closely to the ideals of the project that she wouldn’t shut up about it. (Yes, we did get permission to use it.)

“Dearest Kavita,

Hugs from Poland! How are you? I hope you’ve had a moment to breathe and settle back home in Madrid.

I gave myself last week to reflect before I email you to tell you how much it meant to me! Was hoping the rush of thoughts would settle and crystallise — but they haven’t and I love it. The XTANT experience continues to resonate so deeply. I feel like I have an orchestra of passionate ideas brimming in my mind! I’m slowly unpacking them all and applying them to different areas of my life and projects. -”

Photo by @leyre.lopezdelapaz

“-The energy I’ve accumulated will surely last until next May :)

It’s hard to put into words what these two weeks in Mallorca with XTANT meant to me.

For the first time, I truly felt the meaning of the word community. I’ve obviously met like-minded people before, built networks, felt inspired.. but this was something much deeper. It was soul-nourishing. I left not only inspired, but with a renewed sense of faith in my worldview, my ideals, and my path.

Seeing those values mirrored in the actions of such wonderful humans, all working across the globe, at different stages of their careers, and in such diverse disciplines.. was deeply comforting. And so was the honesty and openness with which everyone shared their journeys, values, and struggles. I needed that so much.

This past year has been a really tough one, trying to navigate challenging economic times. I’m turning 30 this October, and while I support decisions of my closest friends as they transition into more stable/corporate jobs - roles that allow them to pay off mortgages, build families, and feel secure - it’s felt like that childhood era of believing in dreams is quietly closing. As though it’s time to put play aside and get serious.-”

Photograph by Emma Cassi

Photos by @engelengele

“Many of my friends had wonderful, creative ideas, but seeing no space for them in the industry, they’ve stepped away from their creative paths - which is understandable, but heartbreaking to witness. They still support me wholeheartedly in sticking to my ideals (and for being “too ethical,” as some tutors once said!), but at times I’ve wondered if I’m being delusional. XTANT showed me I’m not. […]”

The letter goes on for quite a bit more; describing her own feelings, some personal details about her life and her recent work on building her own dream project, it is very heartfelt.

It can sometimes feel a bit pointless to talk at length about a message you and the people around you already believe in. When you’re not actively showing or teaching others about it for the first time, it can often feel like discussions about independent artisanry or art are just vehicles to complain about the world.

But whenever you see someone react like Paulina, it reminds us of the fundamental value of this work.

Photo by @silkbyemmacassi

The idea that someone could hang on to their desire to create, to try to realise their work into something they’d live from, just by seeing the community we’ve built brings a kind of vertigo.

The capacity to try — try and fail at first maybe, but try — is an under-appreciated and precious thing. If we were capable of bringing that to someone then everything else XTANT works for follows from there.

So, in a far off future where there are ten thousand Paulina’s rather than a hundred; and where people from all over the world try to create their works, clothes, art or other textiles ethically with purpose and care, we will rest on our laurels.

But, until that’s the case:

Our work continues.

P.S: Dog.

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