Towards Post-Extractive Cultures (TPEC) is an artistic, process-based, collaborative research initiative exploring pathways toward resilient, regenerative, and ancestral futures. It creates spaces for collective un/learning. Spaces where experiments, strategies, and conversations emerge in response to the crises of our time, and for sharing practices of care, solidarity, and decolonial, relational worlding.
TPEC understands that systemic transformation cannot come from a single perspective. It requires a plurality of voices, especially those on the frontlines of struggles for the defence of Earth. By bringing together diverse groups with different ways of knowing, the project amplifies practices of resistance and regeneration while cultivating conditions for solidarity and collective imagination.
At the core of the research is the living concept of post-extractivism, which acts as a ‘fermentation starter’ for all activities. Emerging in Abya Yala / Latin America in response to the violent impacts of extractivism, post-extractivism challenges destructive practices and infrastructures while fostering pluriversal alternatives rooted in relationality—with Earth, with each other, and with non-human life.
2023
In 2023, TPEC convened a three-day experimental gathering that sought to undo the conventional ‘conference’ model. Instead of panels and presentations, it unfolded through participatory workshops, thinking-feeling storms, assemblies, and ritual performances.
The gathering was held at Stedelijk Museum and OT301 in Amsterdam, and brought together cultural workers, artists, eco-social activists, Earth-defenders, Indigenous knowledge keepers, radical researchers, community organisers, and storytellers—each contributing to the weaving of “a world of many worlds."
Across the two venues, participants inhabited a space of mutual learning and deep listening, drawing on knowledges and experiences rising from territorial struggles for the defence of the Earth, particularly in contexts often labeled as ‘the Global South’. Together, we built relations of solidarity and explored how activists, designers, cultural workers, and artists might prefigure post-extractive cultures that can be lived and practiced.
About the conveners
This gathering is co-created by Fossil Free Culture NL, Post-Extractive Futures collective, Global Tapestry of Alternatives, Weaving Realities, Gira Zapatista Holanda and entre-ríos.
Speakers and facilitators include: Olivia Biswane; Simyuru Tjaaroeme and Leander Vermaning (Aweroekana Cultura & Wasjikwa); Felipe Milanez (Um Outro Céu) in conversation with Juliana Xukuru, Yacuna, Tuxá, Olinda Yawar, and Ziel Karapotó; Yuchen Li and Aldo Esparza Ramos (Weaving Realities); Abdelfattah Abusrour (Alrowwad Cultural and Arts Society); Sarah Amsler; Alejandra Ortiz de Zevallos (entre—ríos); Talking Wings; Colectivo Moriviví; Yazan Khalili (The Question of Funding); Here we Draw the Line; Suumil Collective; and Pluriversity Collective. Performances will be given by: Teresa Borasino and Dizzi Geetha (Disobedient Futures) and Arhanghela (Giuvlipen).
TPEC is made possible by the generous support of VriendenLoterij Fonds and Stimuleringsfonds. Hosted by Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and OT301.
2025
In January 2025, we hosted a participatory one-day gathering as part of Weaving Towards Post-Extractive Cultures (TPEC), a collaborative exploration of post-extractive lifeways. The event offered a space to share experiences, dreams, and practices of care, solidarity, and decolonial, relational worlding.
Through conversation, shared food, and embodied, relational practices that engage the body, time, and place, participants explored how the concept os post-extractivism resonates and can be applied in diverse contexts. Together, we collectively imagined how our responses to interconnected global crises could be woven into a broader tapestry that supports a pluriversal world, one in which diverse ways of being and knowing can coexist.
About the conveners
This event is organized by Quelccaya, a platform dedicated to nurturing post-extractive cultures, in collaboration with Post-Extractive Futures and Pluriversity Weavers. Cared for by Teresa Borasino, Liliana Buitrago, Gustavo García, Ro Heinrich, Aldo E. Ramos, and Li Yuchen, from the collectives. Hosted by Framer Framed, Amsterdam.
TPEC is made possible by the generous support of VriendenLoterij Fonds, European Cultural Foundation, and Cultuurfonds.
