Inspired by the Andean tradition of minka—collective work for the common good—Ibu celebrates the shared spirit of artistry, collaboration, and cultural heritage found across South America. This event showcases the rich cultures and crafts of the Andean region and celebrates the fierce determination of women artisans who use their skills to create a brighter future.

This year's seated gala will feature South American delicacies, live entertainment, and a colorful fashion event. Attendees will hear from our special guests and 2027 Global Champions about the impact of elevating women through the art of their hands.

Featuring designs from Ibu artisan partners, the evening will showcase unique fashions, and attendees will have first access to shop the new looks.

On Thursday, March 4, 2027, enjoy our gala celebration, including:

• Andean-inspired dinner and drinks
• Remarks from our global champions Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco, Hans Valdez of MIA Peru, and Kennedy Leavens of Awamaki, about the impact of elevating women through the art of their hands
• A fabulous fashion event exploring the crossroads of design and innovation
• Live music and shopping our latest looks
• A paddle raise to fund important artisan grants and new initiatives in the year ahead

Grab your Ibu and He-bu allies to reserve a table and make a night of it with friends. Together, we can make a positive impact, celebrating the power in women's hands.

GALA CO-CHAIRS: Sarah Beardsley & Alicia Gregory

HOST COMMITTEE: Susan Dyes, Cece Fowler, Lori Greeley, Deborah Kennedy Kennard, Paige King, Mosmi Naik Patel, Monica Seeger

Ibu will host a four-session summit on the morning of Wednesday, March 3, 2027, at the Charleston Library Society, featuring celebrated global leaders on the topics of culture and heritage, artisan design and impact, and women leaders of the Andes. Attendees will have an opportunity to engage with the speakers through Q&A sessions at the end of each presentation, and will be able to shop work from each of the speakers at the bu Showroom following the presentations.

DETAILS

When: Wednesday, March 3, 2027
Time: 9am - 1pm
Where: Charleston Library Society, 164 King Street

Speakers include:

• A conversation between Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, founder of the Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco, and Ibu founder Susan Hull Walker, on preserving Quechua culture and textile tradition
• A panel with Hans Valdez of MIA Peru and Kennedy Leavens of Awamaki on the impact of Ibu grants used to build new gathering spaces for artisans
• A presentation from Olivia McKendrick and Chris Rainier of Cultural Sanctuaries on their preservation work in the Andes and beyond

Header Image credit: Maribet Berrocal wearing traditional Acopía-Combapata textiles, Sacred Valley, Peru (detail). Copyright Chris Rainier/The Cultural Sanctuaries Foundation.