Community Profile: Araceli
Tell us about yourself.
Hello! My name is Araceli Fuentes. I am a Chilean artist with over 25 years of experience as a musician, composer, and professional photographer. I love exploring new creative horizons. In my photography, I specialize in architecture and capturing the soul of nature and pets. I have traveled across several South American countries, sharing my art and performing my original music.
How do you spend your free time in Vancouver?
I have discovered a passion for winter sports here, so I’ve been practicing snowboarding. I also enjoy walking through the city's beautiful parks, documenting local birds with my camera. On the cultural side, I love attending live music concerts, going to the cinema, and exploring the local theater scene.
What are some of the challenges you've faced moving to Canada?
Definitely, mastering the language while navigating a new culture has been my most significant challenge. Moving to Canada as an established professional means relearning how to express my expertise in a new tongue, which requires patience and a lot of focus.
What place would you recommend to someone visiting your country?
If you love nature, you must visit the northern beaches like Mejillones or Bahia Inglesa for their warm waters. Also, the Elqui Valley is a must-see, especially if you are interested in poetry and sustainable living. In the south, the lush rainforests of Conguillío or Oncol Park will take your breath away. Finally, for a touch of magic and unique gastronomy, Chiloé Island is the perfect destination. If you prefer urban culture and history, Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción are the heart of Chile’s academic and artistic production.
What do you hope to achieve during your stay at MOSAIC?
My first goal is to master English to a professional level and expand my network within the Canadian creative industry. Beyond that, I want to support other newcomers in their language-learning journey, so we can all contribute our talents and thrive in this beautiful country.