Search Results
Results found for ""
- Rehumanizing Housing: The 8 Pollen Principles
In a world where homes have become commodities, we collectively have both the opportunity and the responsibility to rehumanize housing transactions—and it starts with each of us. Together, we are building a shared economy where human connection comes first, local cultures are honored, and the effects of expatriation and gentrification are consciously addressed. As we aim to shape a community where we all feel at home, these guiding principles ensure Pollen remain rooted in the values that matter for the long run: Safety & Security First Women's safety is our priority. Hosts and guests commit to creating an environment of trust, protection, and mutual respect. Intimate Care Hosting and staying are intimate acts of trust. We care for spaces as if they were our own, ensuring they remain welcoming and well-maintained. Fair & Ethical Pricing Pricing should be reasonable and considerate of both hosts and guests, ensuring affordability and mutual benefits. Respect for Local Communities Every place has a story. We engage with awareness, ensuring our presence enriches rather than disrupts local culture. Clear and Honest Communication Transparency fosters trust. Clear expectations in listings and interactions make for smoother experiences. Kindness in Every Interaction By actively listening, offering help when needed, and approaching conflicts with empathy, we create a culture where everyone feels genuinely supported. Women Supporting Women By choosing to host and stay within this community, we actively support one another’s journeys. Sustaining Our Values as We Grow Hermanas is more than a shared economy—it’s a movement. As we expand, we remain committed to inclusion, mindfulness, and community-driven impact. Join Hermanas Housing Community, find welcoming homes and respectful guests around the world.
- Between Art, Design, and the Cosmos: Marsica Fossati’s Speculative World
Marsica Fossati’s work is a dialogue between eras, materials, and philosophies. Her latest project in collaboration with Fundación Wabi, Space Is a Magic Place (But Earth Is Better) , continues this exploration. Inspired by her travels through Mexico and her encounters with both natural landscapes and architectural wonders, Fossati envisions a world where design is deeply symbolic. Drawing on sci-fi narratives, ancestral traditions, and the interplay between spirituality and materiality, she crafts a speculative reality where extraterrestrial visitors have shaped human creativity—not as conquerors, but as mentors. In this conversation, we discuss the evolving role of craftsmanship in an increasingly digital world, her fascination with objects as vessels of memory, and how this exhibition transforms the idea of space—both cosmic and physical—into something intimate, immersive, and profoundly human. Design & Creativity Q: As someone with a background in design, what do you see as the fundamental difference between design and art? Where do they overlap, and where do they diverge? A: Design and art share a deep connection, yet they serve distinct purposes. The fundamental difference lies in intent: art is driven by self-expression and interpretation , while design is solution-oriented and functional . Art exists to provoke thought, emotion, or aesthetic appreciation, often without a defined "right" or "wrong" outcome while design functions within specific constraints, including user needs, functionality, timeframes, and practicality. But the boundary is increasingly fluid nowadays . Contemporary artists integrate design principles into their work, while designers often venture into the domain of art. Q: Your work often merges craftsmanship with a sense of narrative and atmosphere. How do you approach creativity—does it emerge from intuition, research, material experimentation, or something else entirely? My creative process is a blend of intuition, research, and experimentation , all working in dialogue with one another. Intuition often serves as the initial spark… an idea, a feeling, or a mood that sets the direction. With my background in interior design, envisioning the space where an object will exist is essential . The surrounding environment deeply inspires me, often serving as the starting point for my creative process. I have a deep passion for craftsmanship—everything made by hand represents a true expression of creativity and vitality. That’s why each of the pieces I have designed till now is carefully and “skillfully” handcrafted. Q: You’ve spoken about nostalgia for objects from the past and the value of craftsmanship. In a world increasingly defined by rapid production and digital environments, how do you see the role of handcrafted, tangible design evolving? A: Yes ! In a world dominated by rapid production and digital experiences, handcrafted design holds even greater significance as a way to preserve authenticity, storytelling, and human connection. Craftsmanship has a soul and as technology accelerates, I think there is a growing appreciation for objects that carry a sense of history and imperfection. Unfortunately, I see handcrafted design evolving separately from technology. I don't believe the human touch and traditional techniques can truly coexist with technological advancements. "Space Is a Magic Place (But Earth Is Better)” Q: Tell us about how the idea for this exhibition was born. Was there a particular moment, image, or thought that set the entire project in motion? The creative flow that led me to create Meteorite and Starship began three years ago after my visit to Casa Wabi in Puerto Escondido. At that moment, I envisioned a stainless steel Temazcal , resembling a spaceship that had landed in a desert of cacti, mirroring the beauty of the surrounding landscape. This vision was rooted in an experience I had just days earlier during a trip to Baja California . Wandering through the desert, I came across a gleaming, abandoned Airstream , which, from a distance, looked like a spaceship that had landed on Earth long ago. At the time, I was deeply immersed in Mexican ancestral medicine , frequently engaging in temazcales as a way to heal my spirit. This convergence of experiences shaped the foundation of the pieces I would later bring to life. Q: This project imagines alien visitors returning to Earth to assess our spiritual development. If they were to evaluate us today, do you think they’d be impressed, disappointed, or something in between? I think it really depends on where they land. hehe But in general, If alien visitors were to assess our spiritual development today, I believe they would find a paradox. On one hand, they might be disappointed by our increasing detachment from nature, the rise of materialism, and the way technology often isolates rather than connects us on a deeper level. Wars, environmental destruction, and a loss of ancestral wisdom might signal to them that humanity is still struggling with its own ego and short-term vision. Yet, at the same time, they might also be intrigued and hopeful (as I am). There is a growing global awareness of mindfulness, sustainability, and a return to spiritual traditions. More people are seeking meaning beyond consumerism. Future & Dreaming Forward Q: This exhibition imagines a past in which aliens influenced human creativity. If you could design an object to send into space—an artifact representing Earth’s design philosophy—what would it be? Nothing too extravagant. I would stay grounded in our ancestral roots. I would send a silver ceramic sculpture into space, perhaps in the form of an animal. It would symbolize our deep connection to nature while embodying our endless curiosity about the universe. The silver finish would add a futuristic “fashion” touch, a bit spacey, just to let them understand how humanity has envisioned space in the collective imagination up until now. Q: Looking to the future, what’s next for you? Are there any new projects, materials, or conceptual explorations you’re excited to dive into? I want to keep exploring more conceptual objects and expand beyond what I’ve done so far. My goal is to continue incorporating traditional techniques while experimenting with the fusion of past and future, art and design. I have so many ideas, and I can’t wait to start bringing them to life. Q: You’ve built a career bridging luxury, craftsmanship, and storytelling. If you could dream beyond the limits of reality, what would be your ultimate project—the one that feels almost impossible, but that you’d love to create? A: If I could dream beyond the limits of reality, my ultimate project would be a monumental, immersive structure.. part sculpture, part sanctuary… where art, nature, and spirituality converge . Also in this project would merge ancestral craftsmanship with futuristic vision . Imagine a floating temple on the Oaxaca coast, with whales passing by, or set in the middle of a desert or deep in the jungle in Chiapas , crafted from materials that evolve with time, reflective metals, ceramics that age beautifully, wood and organic elements that breathe with the landscape. I imagine a space for contemplation of the skies, gathering, and real connections, where design becomes an emotional and almost mystical experience. EXPLORE MORE: @marsicafossatti @marsica_ www.marsicafossatti.com Experience the Meteorite and Starship at Fundacion Wabi. MEXICO CITY ART WEEK 2025- THROUGH THE LENS OF HERMANAS
- Sound as Architecture, Silence as Tension: A Conversation with Dragana
Some artists create music; others sculpt environments, bending sound into something immersive, physical, almost alive. Dragana operates in that in-between space, where music isn’t just heard—it’s felt and absorbed. Her work thrives on tension and release, on frequencies that unsettle before they soothe, on the idea that sound doesn’t just exist in a vacuum but is shaped by the spaces it inhabits. In this conversation, we step into her world—one where context is king, silence speaks as loudly as distortion, and the line between sound and sensation is deliberately blurred. We talk about the places that shape her work and the emotions she aims to evoke. Q: What role does context play in your performances? A: The music is the context. A sound in a warehouse isn’t the same as sound in a forest. The way the air moves, how the walls absorb or reject frequencies, how the people in the room shift their weight - it all feeds back into the sound. Q: You work a lot with tension and release—how do you approach this in your sets? A: I like to hold a moment until it almost breaks, then either let it collapse or twist it into something unexpected. Silence is part of it, too. Sometimes the best way to create tension is to play with the feeling that something is about to happen. Q: Are there particular environments (physical or emotional) that you feel enhance the experience of your sets? A: Anywhere that feels like a threshold. A completely blacked-out room with no sense of walls or scale. Where your ears do all the seeing. A brutalist concrete bunker, where the low-end swallows you whole. A vast, open field where the sound dissolves into the horizon. Buildings with half-finished walls. Airports at 3AM. Deserted locations… Places where time stretches, where reality feels slightly off. Emotionally…The space between memory and dream - when you’re half-awake and unsure if what you’re hearing is real or fantasy. Q: How do you select the tracks that make up your sets? A: I don’t always fully prepare. Sometimes I just set up and see what emerges. A lot of it is about finding a balance between control and chaos - guiding the texture without taming it too much. Q: Do you see your sets as storytelling, or is it more about creating a state of mind? A: It’s a place, not a story. If you step into it, you might find a narrative, but it’s not one I’m telling. More like a landscape with no map. Q: Are there any non-musical influences that shape your approach? A: Weather. Architecture. Sensuality. Cinematic sound design, especially when it’s more felt than heard. I like music that behaves like fog - seeping into space, rather than occupying it. Q. Do you work with improvisation, or is your expression tightly structured? A: Both. The best moments happen in the liminal between improvisation and structure. When a system is structured enough to create something unexpected and lets you respond in real time. Q: Do you think the audience’s perception of sounds shifts depending on the cultural or social setting? Definitely. In some places, people let the sound wash over them. In others, they dissect it, looking for structure where there isn’t one. I like when people stop trying to figure it out and just listen. If it doesn’t feel like you’re inside the sound, I haven’t done my job. Q: Do you see yourself integrating other art forms or disciplines into your work? A: Sound is already visual, physical, architectural. I’d like to work more with spaces that shift based on the frequencies inside them. Q: What emotions or thoughts do you hope to evoke in your listeners? A: Disorientation evolving into clarity. A sense of being nowhere and everywhere at once. I want the sound to pull you under, to make you forget where the edges are - like walking into a fog so dense you can’t tell if you're moving forward or standing still. And then, just when you surrender to the drift, something sharp cuts through - a frequency, a shift in texture, a sudden silence - that makes you realise you've been holding your breath. It’s about dissolving perception, then snapping it back into focus. Like waking up from a dream you weren’t sure you wanted to leave. EXPLORE MORE Soundcloud @theartof_dragana Art week Shows: Altara 6th of feb Giegling 8th of feb MEXICO CITY ART WEEK 2025- THROUGH THE LENS OF HERMANAS
- What to do in between shows. Mexico City Art Week 2025
Where to Eat & Drink Ultramarinos EAT Coqueto Esquina sin nombre Fugu Sushi Hugo Loup bar Mendl Ultramarinos Roca HiFi DRINK El tigre silencioso Niv Roca HiFi Salon Palomilla Trampa COFFEE & SWEETS Bottega Cafe Tormenta Saint Where to Shop Amora Campillo Carla Fernandez Casa Bosques Cynthia Buttenklepper Lorena Saravia Sandra Weil Xinú Perfumes MEXICO CITY ART WEEK 2025- THROUGH THE LENS OF HERMANAS
- ZⓈONAMACO: Charting the Evolution of Latin America’s Premier Art Fair with founder Zélika García
Over the past two decades, ZⓈONAMACO has not only redefined the contemporary art landscape in Mexico but has also cemented its position as the leading art fair in Latin America. What began as a platform to nurture the Mexican art scene has transformed into a global hub for cultural exchange, fostering a dialogue that extends far beyond the region. To understand the fair’s evolution and its impact on the international art scene, we spoke with Zélika García, the visionary founder of ZⓈONAMACO. She reflects on how the fair has grown to consolidate Mexico City as a global cultural epicenter, driving conversations between artists, curators, and collectors while expanding opportunities for Latin American artists on the world stage. With Mexico City now firmly established as an international art capital, this year fair’s edition reflects the fair’s ongoing commitment to artistic innovation and market expansion. In anticipation of the upcoming fair, we explore its evolution, impact, and the must-see moments that will define Art Week in Mexico City, offering insights from Zélika García and the key figures shaping the event. Evolution and Impact of ZⓈONAMACO Q: This year marks another exciting edition of ZⓈONAMACO. How do you see the evolution of the fair since its founding, and what role does it play today in shaping the Latin American art market? A: Since its founding 21 years ago, ZⓈONAMACO has become the leading contemporary art fair in Latin America and an international benchmark. What we started as a platform to foster, collect and strengthen the Mexican art scene has grown, consolidating Mexico City as a global cultural epicenter. Today, ZⓈONAMACO not only drives the Latin American art market but also generates dialogues between artists, curators, collectors, and institutions worldwide. Our fair has been part of the international projection of Mexican and Latin American art, supporting its presence in collections and institutional spaces globally. Highlights and Themes for the 2025 Edition Q: Can you share some of the standout galleries, artists, or curated sections that define this year's fair? Is there an overarching theme or narrative emerging for 2025? A: This year, ZⓈONAMACO reaffirms its commitment to contemporary art through a careful selection of galleries and curated sections that explore current art trends. The ZⓈONAMACO EJES section continues to be a fundamental space for experimental and critical discourse, while ZⓈONAMACO SUR delves into curatorial narratives with innovative approaches. Additionally, our collaboration with the Erarta Foundation, which awards a $100,000 USD prize to the artist most voted by the public, is one of the most exciting initiatives this year. This year also highlights the integration of an online fair in collaboration with Always Art, which will allow collectors from around the world to access and acquire works digitally. With this expansion, we aim to adapt to the current dynamics of the market and continue innovating in how art is experienced and commercialized. Travesía Cuatro Must-See Exhibitions and Events during Art Week Q: Along with ZⓈONAMACO, Mexico City’s Art Week is filled with exhibitions and events. What exhibitions or cultural events are essential for collectors and art lovers visiting the city next week? A: For the past 21 years, we’ve nurtured and consolidated Art Week in Mexico City, a collaborative effort between galleries, museums, institutions, and collectors to attract international attention—this phenomenon now defines the city's cultural calendar. From this platform, efforts have been joined to present exhibitions and activities surrounding the fair. This year, besides ZⓈONAMACO, I recommend visiting exhibitions at the Tamayo Museum , the MUAC , and the Jumex Museum . Also, a visit to galleries like kurimanzutto , OMR , and PROYECTOS MONCLOVA , which feature international contemporary art projects, is a must. Within ZⓈONAMACO, our conversation program brings together key figures from the art world, such as Estrellita B. Brodsky and José Roca, who will discuss collecting as activism, as well as a panel with directors of international institutions on the current challenges facing museums. This edition will also feature the awarding of important prizes, such as the Erarta Foundation Art Prize and the Tequila 1800 Collection Prize, continuing to position the fair as a global art epicenter. Advice for International Art Enthusiasts Q: For international visitors coming to Mexico City for Art Week, what are your personal recommendations, whether it's a lesser-known gallery, a must-visit cultural institution, or even a favorite local spot for dining and relaxing? A: Mexico City is a fascinating destination for any art lover. Museums like the Tamayo Museum, the MUAC, the Museum of Modern Art, or the Jumex Museum should be on your agenda for the week, as their programming adds to the fair's parallel activities, with inaugurations, conferences, and several special events.The experience can be complemented after a day of art with culinary offerings such as Kakurega Omakase, which serves an exquisite Japanese menu, and Cuerno , which offers innovative Mexican cuisine. For taco lovers, El Califa is a must-stop, while Cancino delights with artisan pizzas, pastas, and high-quality salads. If you prefer Mediterranean flavors, Bistro at Humano is a great choice, and for classic fast food, Shake Shack brings its iconic burgers and milkshakes. For something sweet, Ladurée offers French macarons, and Nevería Roxy serves artisanal ice creams and sorbets with fresh seasonal fruits. 193 GALLERY Mexico City as a Global Art Hub Q: With the growing global recognition of Mexico City as a cultural epicenter, how do you think ZⓈONAMACO will contribute to this momentum? What makes the city a destination for artists, collectors, and institutions? A: Mexico City has become a reference point for global art thanks to its diversity, vibrant scene, and blend of history and avant-garde. ZⓈONAMACO has played an important role in this positioning, attracting collectors, curators, and artists from around the world and facilitating the growth of the art market in the region. What sets the city apart is its unique energy, where everything from pre-Hispanic art to the most contemporary expressions coexist in the same ecosystem. With each edition of the fair, we strive to strengthen this dynamism—not just by showcasing art but also by fostering connections and dialogues that transcend borders. We will continue working to ensure that ZⓈONAMACO ART WEEK remains a reference platform for art in Latin America and the world. Interview by Michael Klug , Whitewall Magazine EXPLORE MORE: ZⓈONAMACO @zonamaco @zonamacodiseno @zonamacofoto @zonamacosalon MEXICO CITY ART WEEK 2025- THROUGH THE LENS OF HERMANAS
- Altara by Cat La Fey | Bringing the Temple Home | 6-9 Feb 2025
Cat La Fey is a Romanian Creative Director and Holistic Designer currently based in Mexico City. At the intersection of Cat's esoteric studies and design, the passion for creating ritual functional art came to life. Her installations invite the audience into the act of contemplating the quality of inner and outer Sacred Spaces. In her latest work, Altara - Bringing the Temple Home, Cat deconstructed the idea of a traditional altar, and took conceptual leaps, rearranging pieces in entirely new, and thoroughly enlightening, ways, birthing a meditation device. Q: What inspired you to create this piece, and how does it bridge the gap between art and function? A: Altars are anchors for sacred space. They do not only shift environments, but they induce a state of presence and reverence. Our minds become calmer, and the quality of our thoughts is transmuted in their presence. We are instantly connected to the divine and reminded of our prayers, dreams and intentions. I reimagined the traditional altar as a dynamic piece of ritual functional art, designed to live in the home and guide daily rituals. This work emerged from an inquiry into the intersection of ritual, embodiment, and aesthetics. I was drawn to the idea of art as an active participant in human experience rather than a static object of contemplation. By creating a piece that invites interaction—one that is both sculptural and instrumental—the intention was to dissolve the boundary between viewer and artwork, encouraging a dialogue between form, function, and meditative presence. Q: Did any personal meditation or mindfulness practices influence the design and concept of your work? A: My spiritual practice and 15 years of working in the healing arts have deeply informed this piece. The inspiration and technology behind Altara came during a past life regression. It was quite a profound experience to receive such level of detail. I wanted to create a piece that does not merely reference mindfulness but actively facilitates it—an object that is both a site and a conduit for sensory engagement and deeper meditative state. In November, the second part of the project will come to life – a meditation oracle deck inspired by the materials used in Altara and the unseen components that contribute to the act of ritual. The oracle will function as a bridge to the piece, opening a doorway to 44 areas of spiritual practice. Participants will be able to engage with the piece and immerse themselves in daily guided meditations, breathwork practices, self-hypnosis, among others. I am grateful for my collaboration with an incredible team of artists in the process of recording the meditations and creating the soundscapes. Q: If your piece could communicate a single emotion or state of mind, what would it be? A profound quietude. Not silence, necessarily, but an intentional stillness—one that allows for a heightened perception of the body’s rhythms, introspection, creativity. Q: How do the materials you chose contribute to the sensory or meditative experience of the piece? Materiality plays a pivotal role in this work. The design incorporates copper, quartz, and water, circuits that are activated by the energy field of the human body are, facilitating an entry into deeper meditative and receptive states. Intricate sacred geometry integrates with a minimalist design, blending ancient symbolism with contemporary aesthetics. At its center, a prayer box opens with a quartz key, amplifying intentions and encouraging reflection. Q: How do you envision people engaging with your work? What kind of experience do you hope they have? I am less interested in dictating engagement than in facilitating discovery. The piece is designed to reward slowness—to reveal its nuances through prolonged interaction. Ideally, the participant will approach it with curiosity, allowing their engagement to unfold intuitively. Whether through touch or mere presence, the work operates as a vessel for introspection. Q: How does your piece fit into the broader conversation about mindfulness, well-being, or technology in art? It engages with the contemporary dialogue surrounding art as an experiential and therapeutic medium. In an era dominated by digital interfaces and ephemeral consumption, I am interested in the reintroduction of slowness—of tactile, embodied engagement. This piece is a response to the increasing abstraction of human experience, offering a space for recalibration and sensory reawakening. Q: Do you see this piece as a standalone work, or do you plan to explore this concept further in future projects? My intention is that Altara will be integrated into immersive environments and interactive experiences that deepen engagement - in museums, ceremonial spaces, and conscious gatherings. Building on the foundation of this original piece, future iterations will take on tailored forms that respond to different spaces, users and sensory experiences. EXPLORE MORE: @altara-studio @catlafey www.altarastudio.com Experience Altara at AMITY EXPERIENCE MEXICO CITY ART WEEK 2025- THROUGH THE LENS OF HERMANAS
- A Movement for All: Launching the Mycelium Grant Program
The Mycelium is a movement of women coming together to inspire and support one another — personally, professionally, and culturally. It’s a statement of collective evolution, an open invitation to all women who resonate with our mission— regardless of financial circumstances . We’ve heard your voices : many of you want to contribute in meaningful, non-monetary ways that reflect your unique skills and capacity. In response, we’re proud to introduce the Mycelium Grant Program —an initiative that embodies the values of Hermanas, and ensures the Mycelium remains an inclusive community. A Membership Model Rooted in Reciprocity This new structure allows each woman to participate in a way that works for her, creating a balanced, inclusive ecosystem. "Aspire" $0 - Full grant For women facing financial challenges but eager to contribute their skills, ideas, and potential to the community. "Rise" 2,000MX/year (≈100 USD) - Half grant For women navigating financial constraints while advancing in their journey, offering meaningful contributions within their capacity and receiving support to grow. "Thrive" 4,000MX/year (≈200 USD) For women ready to fully engage with the community and commit to its collective success. "Inspire" 6,000MX/year (≈300 USD) For women who wish to enrich their journey while funding grants that open doors for others, fostering a cycle of growth and opportunity. How it works During the Mycelium application process, you can select the tier that suits your current life stage, so your contribution feels aligned and meaningful. Thank you for inspiring this step forward. Your requests, insights, and generosity have shaped this evolution. Whether you’re receiving or providing support, your role strengthens the Mycelium as a place where all women can thrive.
- Become an ambassador and lead the way
Hermanas exists through the power of connection, collaboration, and authentic support among women worldwide. Our community has grown purely through word-of-mouth, driven by genuine shared values. We’re SO excited to take our global sisterhood to new heights with the launch of our Ambassador Program—an initiative designed for women ready to inspire and connect on a local level, giving deeper value to the community. Whether you’re based in a vibrant city or a quiet surf town, your passion and leadership can make a profound difference. Why Become a Hermanas Ambassador? As an Ambassador, you’ll help bring Hermanas to life in your area, sharing our values and vision to connect, support, and uplift other women in your community. Create Meaningful Impact Locally The Hermanas Ambassador Program is about more than spreading the word—it’s about creating genuine impact. You’ll have the chance to build relationships that matter, inspire others, and foster a culture of trust and reciprocity. By organizing local gatherings, events, or even small meetups, you’ll be creating spaces where women can connect, learn, and grow together. Be Part of a Global Movement Our vision for Hermanas is an interconnected network of ambitious, curious women who lift each other up. As an Ambassador, you’ll be helping lead this movement. By connecting Hermanas members in your area, you’re adding strength to a growing network that spans continents, cultures, and industries. Grow Your Own Network You’ll meet inspiring women locally and globally, expanding your network with like-minded individuals. This role allows you to elevate your personal brand and nurture your own community. Collaborate with the Team Hermanas Ambassadors receive guidance from the core team, resources, and materials to help you engage your local community effectively. Collaborate with us and other ambassadors. We look forward to welcoming inspiring women who are ready to lead, connect, and strengthen to our movement. Together, we'll make a greater difference.
- Unsound Festival 2024: Krakow’s Sonic Frontier Pushes Boundaries Once Again
As autumn descends upon Krakow, a city steeped in history, its narrow streets and medieval charm become the unlikely setting for a festival that continues to redefine the boundaries of culture , sound and art. The Unsound Festival 2024 promises to be a collision of the traditional and the experimental, where sonic innovators from around the world converge to explore the limits of what music can be. In its 22nd year, Unsound has cemented its reputation as a festival for the curious, where the unclassifiable finds a home, and where genre boundaries dissolve into the air like Krakow’s morning mist. What sets Unsound apart from other festivals is its fearlessness in championing the avant-garde—its curators diving headfirst into the unknown, daring audiences to follow. Whether through pulsating electronic beats, haunting ambient textures, or the raw energy of live improvisation, Unsound has always been a space where artists push sonic experimentation to its zenith. This year’s edition continues that tradition, offering a program that not only reflects the current state of the musical avant-garde but anticipates its future. Unsound 2024 promises an experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is visceral. Yet, Unsound has never been just about the music. It’s a complete sensory experience, incorporating audiovisual performances, installations, and discussions that dissect the cultural implications of the works being presented. In an age where technology accelerates at a dizzying pace, Unsound engages with these changes critically, hosting panels and talks that tackle the role of AI in music production, the politics of sound, and the challenges of sustainability within the festival circuit. But beyond the programming, what makes Unsound special is its community. Each year, the festival gathers a global audience of artists, producers, and fans, all sharing a collective desire to experience something new, something that challenges preconceived notions of music and performance. Whether it’s an intimate late-night set in an underground venue or a large-scale spectacle, there’s a palpable sense of adventure in the air—one that’s contagious. In 2024, as Unsound continues to evolve, it reminds us why Krakow, a city with its feet firmly planted in the past, remains at the cutting edge of the future of sound. As Unsound Festival 2024 prepares to push the envelope once again, stay tuned for our next article, where we’ll not only unveil a powerful force behind this year’s groundbreaking program but also reveal the full lineup. The vision shaping this edition, along with the artists set to perform, promises to be as boundary-shattering as the festival’s reputation itself. UNSOUND FESTIVAL Tickets and full info Instagram Mat Schulz — co-founder and Artistic Director. Małgorzata Płysa — co-director and curator.
- Masculinity, Divine: an Ode to our Men
The protector, the creator, the lover. Multiple figures arise when we think of an Hermanas male archetype. The one who is worthy of a woman’s trust, his beautiful mind, a heaven his honor, the refuge where she can open and blossom his heart, an empowering flame… who is he and what is he like? As much as we’re capable of doing so, we can’t build the future on our own. We, precisely, differ from patriarchy in the fact that we’re not competing. We know the power of strategic unity and each gender’s unique contribution. By actively participating in feminine movements, men can use their voice and privilege to help dismantle behaviors and systems from the inside. When men stand in solidarity with women, they can become our allies in advocating for a world where no child is forced to marry, no girl is unsafe when walking alone, and no woman is ever a victim of violence. Empowering the archetype At Hermanas, we empower the men using their wit to nurture and their strength to build. We create a constructive dialogue between genders, amongst creators and pioneers, and have the blessing of calling many of them our partners, investors, and supporters. Evolution: our common ground We’re committed to the creation of a diverse ecosystem of brands packed with meaning and value. Hermanas’ vision for the ideal ecosystem of partners includes men-led businesses and projects across industries. We cultivate virtuous relationships with them, empowering one another through mutual support and shared values, ensuring that together we build a stronger network that benefits everyone involved. These are a few of our favorites. So who is he? we wondered, the Hermanas male archetype —and realized that like all great ideas, concepts, and love itself: the loudest truth is spoken by he who shows, without the need to tell. We may have found the answer right within our community. Much love, Hermanas Team
- Your Choice: An Illuminating Look at Hermanas Memberships
In a world of extractivism and war, a feminine approach to growth, power, and success has never been more urgent and meaningful. We believe in quietly and gracefully weaving revolutions through united work, sheer genius, and creativity . This is how our global community came to be, both our gift and responsibility. 333 Reflecting on your individual and collective needs, endeavors, and desires, we designed 3 different memberships to serve you best and multiply our impact. A powerful MYCELIUM , for those who want it all. Traveling POLLEN, for the world trotters. A mindful SEED, for everyone. Taste, compare, pick: MYCELIUM is our global community platform to shine, connect & collaborate with inspiring women. A place of endless possibilities and exciting opportunities through connection and collaboration. A platform to create change and meaningful impact through compatible efforts, passions, and causes. The way to find and support the women-led projects and initiatives that inspire you the most. A powerful network of incredible women, ready to uplift and support your dreams, ideas, events, brand, or business. I feel encouraged by authentic self-development, always looking to improve, that’s why for me Hermanas is such a great space. There has never been a better time and a more conscious one when women want to evolve in sisterhood, the existence of Hermanas is just the right tool to unify what is already a desire that exists in all women, to belong and feel seen. CHISTINE - USA POLLEN is our dedicated space for renting, selling, and swapping homes with sisters around the world. The feminine approach to traveling and hosting, graceful encounters based on our guides for tactful agreements. A door to new destinations, a safe, beautiful home wherever you go. The gift of belonging from the start, choosing to experience a place like a local sister would, for diversified cultural growth. The opportunity to share unparalleled support through your space, within an inspiring circle of likeminded women. Hermanas has been an incredible community for me as I spent the last 1.5 years traveling around through Mexico, New York, San Francisco, Paris, and Barcelona - I met amazing women at every stop and even managed to find some great rentals along the way! I love the tips and engagement and also contributing my own experiences in whatever way I can! DEVIN - MEXICO / USA SEED is our constellation of WhatsApp groups, where we support each other through thick and thin. Growth and connection, at no cost. Hermana’s free offering for inclusive impact. A community of open, genuine support when finding high-quality, daily-life resources and solutions in a new city. A place for each Hermana to share its unique vision and testimony with valuable tips. An evolving guide to thrive in adventure and new beginnings through the experience of those who came before. I love this online community for its effortless ability to forge connections, bringing together women with shared interests from both local and global spheres. It deserves to be celebrated as the vibrant hub it is, fostering a sense of belonging, sisterhood, and mutual support among its members. This platform makes the world feel a little smaller and more united. AXELLE - FRANCE Growth is our favorite way to honor your trust and choice. We want to take this opportunity to say: thank you for choosing Hermanas as a partner in life. As we vow to continue to evolve towards more personalized and meaningful interactions, we rejoice in imagining what your evolution, in community , will bring. Which of the three will you choose? Much love, Hermanas team.
- The Impact of Pollen : a Feminine Approach to Housing
We’ve moved forward. We truly have. But women still encounter unique challenges as they travel. Escalating housing costs and insisting safety concerns for solo travelers everywhere inspired us to take action and try something new. This is how Pollen was envisioned, created, and spread. Today our global sister-to-sister housing platform has members in more than 50 countries, enjoying benefits that nurture their travel experience through a shared economy and a feminine approach to hospitality. Addressing Modern Challenges for Women Sense of community: Hermanas carefully curates a network that feels like a sisterhood, fostering trust and solidarity among members. The platform enables women to share resources and local insights, leading to curated experiences and genuine connections. The safety we seek: With a powerful ethos and strong guidelines, Hermanas strive to welcome safe and reputable hosts and guests, creating a more secure environment for all members. Save while you thrive: Built on respect and fairness, Pollen encourages members to offer and agree on fair prices. The platform does not charge commission or cleaning fees, and active swapping groups facilitate creative and cost-efficient travel arrangements. A sustainable, shared economy: Instead of giving up to 25% to intermediary platforms, Hermanas charges no transaction fees, allowing hosts to earn additional income. A small, annual community contribution supports the network’s maintenance and individualized member support, fostering a sustainable shared economy. An Endless Loop of Benefits We dare, you dare Very few things foster confidence more than navigating unknown environments. As women embrace new challenges and wonders successfully, they expand their horizons and become unstoppable. This has been our dream and intention, from day one. Pollen is now an ever-changing space that grows with your endeavors and this is how far we’ve come, always together.