Paths of Gold: Stories of Those Who Built Their Homes, Fiorella Benavides Sánchez
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Fiorella Benavides Sánchez will discuss the COPAN Association (in Costa Rica) that in the 1990’s organized a community group, a remarkable collective of women to participate in a state-supported social housing initiative based on the self-construction of homes.
In the 1980s, the COPAN Association organized a community group, a remarkable collective of women, to participate in a state-supported social housing initiative based on the self-construction of homes. Each participant contributed approximately to 900 hours of labor, including land clearing, material mixing, and guarding construction sites, in exchange for the right to their own home.
In 2025, Arte para la Tierra developed the project Guararí: Stories of Those Who Built Their Homes, working alongside these women, now part of the Caminos de Oro Club to hold storytelling and visual arts workshops. Together, they transformed their lived experiences into stories that carry their “golden” memories to new generations, preserving and honoring their legacy.
The project reclaims the dignity and solidarity that once defined Guararí’s origins, shedding light on a chapter of Costa Rican history where community, perseverance, and collective effort built not only houses but a lasting sense of belonging.
Presenter’s Bio
Fiorella Benavides Sánchez
Fiorella Benavides Sánchez holds a Licentiate’s degree in Performing Arts from the National University of Costa Rica. For over a decade, she has been active in theater and cultural management as a director, producer, workshop facilitator, and independent artist. She received an Honorable Mention at the Ricardo Fernández Awards (2020) and the National Theater Award Ricardo Fernández Guardia (2021).
As cultural manager at Arte para la Tierra, she leads community-based art projects that link theater, education, and environmental awareness. Her work has been supported by competitive grants including PROARTES, Puntos de Cultura, UNA Puesta al Fuego, Festival Nacional de las Artes, and Transitarte. She has directed and written several plays, including Las cuatro mujeres que todas somos, Nos escucharemos otra vez Claudia, Pasacalles de mi Cuerpo al Cuerpo Comunitario, and Pelícano Blanco.
This event is sponsored by Artivism: The Power of Art for Social Transformation.
For more information, please contact artivism@adelphi.edu.