The Radical World of Cartoneras: Democratising Literature and Empowering Communities

In the bustling streets of Buenos Aires during an economic crisis, a revolutionary literary movement emerged. The cartoneras publishing movement, initiated in Argentina in 2003, has grown into a global phenomenon, reshaping publishing, and sparking social, economic, and environmental change. This attracted academics like Cecilia Palmeiro, Carolina Orloff, Lucy Bell, and María Angélica Petroni, who have studied the phenomenon from various perspectives.

The 2001 economic crisis in Argentina led to widespread unemployment, forcing many into informal jobs. Among these were the cartoneros, who collected and sold recyclables from the streets. Against this backdrop, writers and artists like Washington Cucurto, Javier Barilaro, and Fernanda Laguna founded Eloísa Cartonera, the first cartonera publishing house. This initiative was a response to the prohibitive costs and limited access of traditional publishing. By collaborating with cartoneros, they created handmade books with cardboard covers, giving birth to a unique literary approach.

One profound impact of the cartoneras movement is the democratisation of literature. By using inexpensive, readily available materials, cartoneras made books affordable and accessible, especially to those excluded from traditional publishing. This shift not only provided access to the economically disadvantaged but also challenged the industry's elitist nature.

Collaboration with cartoneros was about more than sourcing materials; it was about inclusion and empowerment. The movement provided an alternative income source for cartoneros, integrating them into cultural production. This offered economic benefits and social recognition, giving marginalised communities a voice.

In a world increasingly aware of environmental issues, the cartoneras movement stands out for its sustainability. By repurposing recycled materials, it promotes eco-friendly practices in an industry often criticized for its environmental impact. This commitment to sustainability is a crucial shift toward more responsible cultural production.

Cartonera books are not just literary works but also acts of social and political commentary. They address issues of oppression, marginalisation, and justice, using literature as activism. An example is La Anarquía explicada a los niños (“Anarchy Explained to Children”), an illustrated reinterpretation of José Antonio Emmanuel's 1931 text. This work openly rebels against neoliberalism, promoting solidarity over individualism, and encourages the free reproduction and distribution of ideas.

The economic model of cartoneras departs from the capitalist, profit-driven approaches of traditional publishing. It emphasises cooperation, shared ownership, and fair profit distribution, challenging conventional economic structures and prioritising people over profits.

Eloísa Cartonera's success in Argentina inspired similar projects across Latin America and beyond, such as Brazil's Dulcineia Catadora and Mexico's La Cartonera. These projects adapt the cartoneras principles to local contexts, furthering their impact and reach. This expansion facilitates cultural exchange and promotes diverse voices, fostering solidarity and shared purpose.

Cartonera publishers help preserve memory and identity, as seen in works like Desde la clandestinidad: poesía insurgente (“From Clandestinity: Insurgent Poetry”), which revives voices of Guatemalan and Salvadoran revolutionaries and reminds us of the link between Latin American revolutionaries and literature. Feminist themes appear in titles like No me gustan las princesas (“I Don't Like Princesses”), challenging traditional gender roles, and Corporalidades: textos desde la insurrección erótica (“Corporalities: Texts from the Erotic Insurrection”), exploring body acceptance and empowerment.

Despite successes, the cartoneras movement faces challenges such as sustainability and scalability. Reliance on volunteer labour and donations can hinder consistent production. Questions arise about whether their radical approaches, such as promoting the piracy of cultural goods, as shown in A modo de manifiesto: diez tesis en favor de la piratería de bienes culturales (“As a Manifesto: Ten Theses in Favour of Piracy of Cultural Property”) by Enrique G. Gallegos, contribute to these challenges. Furthermore, the movement sometimes struggles for recognition within broader literary and academic communities, as traditional publishers may overlook cartoneras works.

The cartoneras publishing movement exemplifies the power of creativity and resilience. By redefining publishing, it has made all kinds of literature more accessible, empowered marginalized communities, promoted sustainability, and challenged traditional structures. Its origins in Argentina's economic crisis underscore its roots in necessity and innovation, while its global expansion highlights its universal relevance and potential.

In a world where literature access is often a privilege, the cartoneras movement demonstrates that radical ideas can transform industries and uplift communities. It continues to inspire, provoke, and challenge, proving that literature can indeed be for everyone.

By Julio Cazzasa, Academic Librarian, Latin America and Commonwealth Studies, Senate House Library