PROJECT’S MAIN OBJECTIVEs

This project is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union and its main objectives are:

• To reconnect young designers and creators with Europe's diverse textile regions through immersive learning experiences that combine travel, hands-on experimentation and collaboration with local textile professionals.

• To preserve, promote and transmit Europe's textile heritage by documenting regional knowledge, traditional craftsmanship, natural materials and sustainable production practices, making them accessible to new generations of creatives.

• To foster ecological transition in the textile sector by exploring circular practices, textile recycling, upcycling, natural fibres and locally sourced materials through place-based learning and practical workshops.

• To strengthen collaboration between designers, craftspeople, manufacturers, cultural organisations and regional communities, building long-lasting European networks that encourage knowledge exchange and future professional opportunities.

• To promote regional textile ecosystems through public engagement, including exhibitions, interviews, digital "Textile Walks", documentaries and publications that share local stories and expertise with wider audiences.

• To create lasting educational and cultural resources that celebrate Europe's textile diversity while inspiring more sustainable, inclusive and place-based approaches to textile design and production.

TOURS & OPEN CALLS

Discover Europe's Textile Regions

At the heart of WeaveUp+ are a series of immersive study tours that bring together young creators, established designers and local textile professionals to explore Europe's diverse textile heritage through travel, workshops and hands-on experimentation.

Each national tour combines visits to manufacturers, craftspeople and cultural organisations with collaborative design workshops focused on sustainable materials, circular practices and regional textile knowledge. During the final year of the project, master designers come together for a transnational tour to co-create a travelling exhibition celebrating the project's outcomes.

Explore the latest news, tour updates, participant stories and project resources on the official WeaveUp+ website.

National Tour 1 (2026)

The first series of national tours introduces participants to each country's regional textile ecosystem, with a focus on local materials, heritage and sustainable production practices.

Italy theme: Sustainable Wool Practices

Open Call: [Download the Open Call PDF]

National Tour 2 (2027)

The second national tours build upon the first year by exploring advanced experimentation, circular production and new applications of regional textile resources.

Italy theme: Wool Waste & Recycling

Open Call: (Coming 2027)

Transnational Tour (2028)

During the third year of the project, the master designers from all participating countries travel together through Germany, France and Italy. This collaborative journey culminates in the design of a travelling exhibition that showcases the knowledge, research and creative outcomes developed throughout WeaveUp+.

Who can participate?

The WeaveUp+ project is designed for emerging creatives and textile professionals who are interested in exploring Europe's rich textile heritage while developing sustainable design practices through immersive learning experiences. Participants include:

• Young designers, artists, architects, makers, researchers and recent graduates interested in textiles, fashion, craft and material innovation, who wish to deepen their knowledge through international study tours and collaborative workshops.

• Established designers and creative professionals who act as mentors, sharing their expertise and guiding participants throughout the national and transnational tours.

• Textile manufacturers, artisans, craftspeople, farmers, recyclers and material specialists who host visits, demonstrate regional expertise and contribute to knowledge exchange.

• Museums, cultural institutions, educational organisations and regional heritage centres that preserve and promote Europe's textile traditions while supporting contemporary creative practice.

• Local communities and regional stakeholders working to strengthen sustainable textile ecosystems, preserve cultural heritage and foster connections between tradition, innovation and place.

• The wider public, who can engage with the project's outcomes through exhibitions, publications, interviews,, digital "Textile Walks" and other resources showcasing Europe's diverse textile cultures.