FUNDACRUZ

Fundacruz es una fundación para la preservación, promoción, investigación, desarrollo y difusión de los recursos naturales y el patrimonio cultural, especial­mente el arquitectónico, de la Patagonia austral. Es una organización no gubernamental (ONG), totalmen­te independiente de instituciones estatales.
En 1981, la familia Racciatti adquirió el predio en que funciona la fundación, con el edificio abandona­do (originario de Bélgica y traído en barco en 1898), y que antiguamente había sido la Barraca Amberense, pri­mero, y sede local de la Aduana, después. La intención era recuperarla, reciclarla y preservarla, ya que se trataba de un patrimonio arquitectónico.
Se realizó un primer rescate y se firmó, en diciembre de 1986, un Acta Compromiso con los vecinos de la ciudad, para destinarla a espacio para la cultura viva de Río Gallegos.
Fundacruz cuenta con personería jurídica desde 1993. En la Casa de la Cultura -reconstruida por Vicen­te Racciatti como era originalmente- se desarrollan muestras y exposiciones de artistas plásticos locales y nacionales. También se realizan allí charlas, talleres, conferencias y proyecciones audiovisuales, orientadas en su gran mayoría a los recursos naturales y la preser­vación del medio ambiente.
Fundacruz agradece a la Municipalidad de Río Gallegos el apoyo brindado para la edición de este libro


Fundacruz is a foundation set up for the conservation, promotion, investigaron, development and making known the cultural and especially architectural herítage and natural resources of southern Patagonia. It is a non-government organisation, totally independent of state institutions.
In 1981, the Racciatti family acquired the property where the foundation is based, with the abandoned building (originally brought in kit-form by ship from Belgium in 1989), which had first been the offices of 'Barraca Amberense'1, and subsequently the local headquarters of the Customs and Excise office. The intention was to rescue the building, recycling and conserving it, as local architectural heritage.
A first salvage operation was undertaken and in December 1986 a "Deed of Commitment" was signed with the people of the city, designating the building as a place for the Uve culture of Río Gallegos.
Fundacruz has had its own staff since 1993. Restored by Vicente Racciatti to how it was originally and known now as 'La Casa de la Cultura', it is used for displays and exhibitions of work by local and national artists. Talks, workshops, conferences and audiovisual presentations are also held, mostly dealing with natural resources and environmental conservation.
a company of Belgian origin, owned by G. and C. Kreglinger, established in Patagonia for purchasing locally produced fleeces and sheepskin.
Fundacruz would like to thank the Municipality of Río Gallegos for the support provided
for the publishing of this book