Appendix 1
El Ranchito
El Ranchito is, in its core, a project sprung from the larger context of Matadero. El Ranchito in direct translation means The Ranch (as in ranch in America) and is originating from the Matadero context of a slaughterhouse. El Ranchito also means a form of (social) organisation (compared to favelas in Brasil) looking for its locale, feeding locals, etc.
After Metod’s short introduction of CP, Pablo draws parallels between CP and El Ranchito, and Chelsea College of Art and Design and Matadero. However, presently El Ranchito operates exclusively within the context of Matadero their idea and ideal is to expand their operations outside Matadero. Projected ideas for El Ranchito are to sets out, promote and rejuvenate immediate surrounding (neighbourhoods) of Matadero as well as work alongside within the larger context of Madrid as a horizontally structured collective.
El Ranchito has been established in March 2010. Sprung from the initiative established by civil servants working at Matadero alongside with other (non related to Matadero) individuals who see the potential within and/or outside the context of Matadero. Currently there are approximate 12 (13) active members operating under El Ranchito project with prospects of opening to a larger community of volunteers and contractors.
Member’s background varies from visual arts, performing arts, new media, (art) theory, curation, organisation, sociology, philosophy, architecture (and other) and has a challenge to navigate through broad views and understanding to solidify their aims and objectives.
When meeting several of its members together (and individually) the ideas varies about what El Ranchito is or means to them, however, there is a sense that they want to facilitate in “building bridges” between communities and art related individuals, groups and organisations. Although they have many “disagreements” what direction, shape, form, structure and organisation they should take, the energy is there and has a potential become a good generator.
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