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You might be forgiven for thinking that the Maya are extinct, fossilised in the archaeological sites of Tikal and Chichen Itza. In fact, there are over 6 million people who are proud descendants of the masterminds behind these ancient cities. In Guatemala, the Maya have a growing sense of confidence after surviving one of the most brutal genocide attempts of recent times. A new generation is rising up and using contemporary arts to tell their stories and speak out against discrimination.

The not-for-profit organisation Border Crossings wants to bring one of the most explosive Guatemalan Maya acts to share his beats with you in London. Hip-hop artist MC Tz’utu Baktun Kan advocates for social justice among Maya communities with his political and poetic rap lyrics (see video). He recycles Maya oral styles, infusing his lyrics with prayers and the powerful stories of recent Guatemalan history. MC Tz’utu represents a generation that wants to make the voices of the Maya heard globally. We want to hear them.

Unfortunately, Maya artists have a very difficult time reaching audiences outside Guatemala. They regularly face institutional discrimination and governmental and private support is scarce. Border Crossings, in collaboration with the Indigeneity in the Contemporary World project, are trying to change this situation by providing a venue for MC Tz’utu Baktun Kan to project his work internationally as part of the London Origins Festival of First Nations, and an exhibition, Ecocentrix: Indigenous Arts, Sustainable Acts, both in Autumn 2013.

We need your help to make this happen. We are raising funds to cover the travel and accommodation costs of MC Tz’utu and crew member M.C.H.E. to enable them to participate in the festival and a free exhibition. We think that Indigenous performers and practitioners are underrepresented in the global contemporary arts scene and we are committed to addressing this imbalance by creating opportunities for them to have direct contact with international audiences. Help us achieve this and we can make Maya hip-hop one of the highlights of London’s autumn cultural scene!

Thank you for your support.

On behalf of the Indigeneity project and Border Crossings:

Genner Llanes-Ortiz (Maya Associate)