The Boruca, one of Costa Rica’s eight indigenous tribes, has been marginalized since its colonization and is still being faced with discrimination, isolation, and other obstacles that hinder them from selling their art.1 Boruca Art Empowerment aims to help Boruca people overcome these obstacles by educating people about Boruca art and culture, provide a website as an outlet for connecting with Boruca artists, offer town information, and serve as a secure platform for art purchases were the funds go straight to the Boruca artist. Boruca people have shown resilience through their economic growth over time, as well as the preservation of their culture. They have brought back their ancestors' textiles and masks. Their handicrafts and their sense of entrepreneurship helped them begin to regrow their economy; however, there are still some obstacles that hinder the Boruca community. Geographic limitations such as isolated areas prone to floods, a lack of resources like gas stations and internet, even competition from other tribes and a limited knowledge of the international market.2

Recognizing Boruca art as their main income source highlights its significance to their economy. The goal of Boruca Art Empowerment is to raise awareness of the economic benefits and the barriers to success for selling Boruca art and to support the Boruca community. Boruca Art Empowerment includes a website design and a marketing strategy that helps the Boruca people sell their art nationally and internationally. This design solution aims to amplify their voices, share their stories, and ultimately empower them to provide for their families and secure a better future for their children.

Jaouen, Morgane. “The Indigenous World 2023: Costa Rica.” IWGIA, IWGIA, 27 Mar. 2023,

McInnis-Bowers, Cecilia, Denise L. Parris, and Bella L. Galperin. “Which Came First, the Chicken Or the Egg?: Exploring the Relationship between Entrepreneurship and Resilience among the Boruca Indians of Costa Rica.” Journal of Enterprising Communities., vol. 11, no. 1, 2017, pp. 39-60.