After founding the Chilean-Indian Institute of Culture, she joined the "Grupo Ancoa" and was a co-founder of the Museum of Art and Artisans of Linares [es], where she has sculptures and paintings in the permanent collection.

[2] When she finished her education, Araya collaborated with a group of intellectuals to establish the Chilean-Indian Institute of Culture for which they produced a radio program, India al habla (transl.

The group was a cultural association of artists, musicians and intellectuals,[1] which included Silvia Araya, Hugo Amigo, Julio Amigo, Dr. Miguel Cervantes, Bartolomé Cruces, Mario Dueñas, Temístocles Elgueta, Emilio González, Eliana Ibarra, Inge Linzt, Samuel Maldonado, Manuel Francisco Mesa Seco, Carlos Pinochet Lastra, Jorge Pinochet, Alberto Reyes Lapiedra and Carlos Sepúlveda López.

[3] In 1962, the group began working to organize an art museum holding performances and exhibits to raise funds.

[4] The following year, an exhibition was hosted for the anniversary of the museum's founding which featured works by Araya, Armando Álvarez, María Esther de Barrientos, Sergio Monje Solar, and Pedro Olmos.

From 1971 to 1973 Araya served as a member of the API's Political Commission, heading the national board of school assistance and scholarships.