Local talent blooms: Colectivo Rokunin supports low-income Artists in Veracruz
One Artist, One Project, One Dream Come True
What began as a project to support local artists and artisans has turned into a success story proving that when talent meets the right opportunity, it can transform lives and communities. Colectivo Rokunin, active in the Altas Montañas region of Veracruz, successfully concluded its support program for low-income artists, helping consolidate creative careers, generate economic impact, and strengthen the region’s cultural richness.
The program was designed for beneficiaries with extraordinary talent but structural limitations: lack of formal art studies, limited cultural management strategies, and insufficient financial resources for training or materials. Among these talents stood out Marco Antonio Quijano Téllez, a visual artist from Fortín de las Flores, whose creative potential was identified and supported by Colectivo Rokunin from early 2022.
For one year, Marco Antonio received personalized mentorship, training in promotion and digital marketing, and a monthly stipend for 12 months, which allowed him to fully dedicate himself to his artistic work. Thanks to this scholarship, he was able to create, experiment with new techniques, and strategically plan his career—something that had previously been limited by the need to balance his passion with generating basic income.
“Emotions, Gazes, and Flowers”: The Collection That Changed Everything
The project’s highlight was the creation of the collection “Emociones, miradas y flores” (“Emotions, Gazes, and Flowers”), made up of 8 mixed-media works (ink, acrylic, and oil) on canvas. Each piece is a tribute to human expressiveness and the beauty of nature, fusing gazes, emotions, and flowers in warm and cool colors, evoking deep feelings in viewers.
The scholarship made it possible to purchase high-quality materials and allowed each work to be developed with full creative freedom, without compromising production pace or artistic quality. The collection not only reflects Marco Antonio’s sensitivity but also fulfills the project’s objective: to turn talent into a sustainable resource that strengthens the family economy and showcases the cultural richness of the region. With Rokunin’s support, the works were auctioned, generating seed capital that will allow him to continue his professional career.
Beyond Creation: Training and Strategic Networking
Rokunin’s program went far beyond artistic production. Marco Antonio participated in regular planning and analysis sessions where goals, needs, and growth strategies were defined. He also received training in digital tools, social media promotion, and cultural marketing techniques—essential for reaching wider audiences and generating sales and exhibition opportunities.
The project also fostered collaboration with other art and cultural professionals, building a support network that boosts the visibility of local artists and opens doors to future collective initiatives. This creates a multiplying effect: not only does the artist benefit, but the entire cultural community of Veracruz.
Impact and Tangible Results
The project’s success is reflected in concrete outcomes:
A complete collection of 8 paintings finished and auctioned
Monthly stipend for one year, enabling investment in materials and project consolidation
Seed capital generated for the continuation of his artistic career
Digital and marketing training to maintain presence on social media and sales channels
Strategic mentorship that strengthens planning for future projects
Increased cultural and economic value in the region, showing how investing in local talent has a direct and positive impact
A Replicable Model of Artistic Support
The experience of Marco Antonio and Colectivo Rokunin is an example of how mentorship, training, networking, and financial support programs can transform lives, foster creativity, and consolidate careers that were once limited by lack of resources. The project also reaffirms that art not only beautifies, but also generates economy, opportunities, and cultural development.
Colectivo Rokunin thanks all sponsors and collaborators who made this scholarship possible, proving that supporting emerging artists is not only an economic investment but a commitment to culture, creativity, and the community’s future.
The future looks bright for Marco Antonio Quijano Téllez, whose collection “Emociones, miradas y flores” marks the beginning of a consolidated artistic career—with solid institutional backing, international visibility, and above all, the chance to turn his passion into a sustainable project thanks to the scholarship that allowed him to flourish.
