Organizer Information
Contextile is an international contemporary textile art biennial held in Guimarães, Portugal. It serves as a major platform for the reflection and dissemination of textile-based artistic practices, connecting local heritage with global contemporary discourse. The Textile Talks are a key component of the biennial, fostering critical dialogue and interdisciplinary Research.
Title & Description
Contextile 2026 Textile Talks: BY A THREAD.
The 2026 edition addresses the fragility of the "world's fabric," exploring themes of ecological collapse, social urgency, and sustainable invention. The talks are structured around six sub-themes: Change in the Weather, Narratives of Power, Textile Waste as Art, Dynamic/Changeability, Working Slowly and with Care, and More Than Human Approaches. Selected speakers will deliver 15-minute presentations to an international audience, contributing to a collective effort to reposition artistic creation at the center of an ethic of care.
Categories:
Fiber/Textile Art, Research, Environmental Art.
Eligibility
- Open to International artists, researchers, or professionals aged 18 or over.
- Applications may be submitted individually or as a group.
- Selection is based on relevance, originality, and thematic suitability to the "BY A THREAD" concept.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Opportunity to present artistic or research projects at a major international Symposium and Biennial.
- Professional Networking with international partners, artists, and guest speakers.
- Technical support and professional conditions for the presentation at the Centro Cultural Vila Flor.
- Inclusion in the biennial’s public program and access to a guided tour of Contextile exhibitions.
- Access to support information and special rates for partnered Accommodation and transport.
Fees
- Application Fee: Free to apply.
- Participation Fee: Free for selected speakers.
- Note: The organizers do not cover travel, accommodation, or appearance fees (Self Fund for travel/stay).
Application Requirements
- Completed official application form.
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Brief description of the presentation (maximum 300 words).
- Indication of three preferred sub-themes in order of preference.
- Final presentations must be delivered in English.
- Submissions should be sent to call.contextile@gmail.com.
How to Apply?
Interested parties must download the application form from the official website and submit it along with the required documents via email.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: May 24, 2026.
- Notification of Selection: June 10, 2026.
- Attendance Confirmation: June 30, 2026.
- Final Presentation Submission: September 1, 2026.
- Textile Talks Event: September 6 – 7, 2026.
Location
Portugal, Guimarães (Centro Cultural Vila Flor).
Additional Details
Presentations should be dynamic and innovative, prioritizing images and videos. Each talk is limited to 15 minutes to allow for a debate and exchange of ideas at the end of each thematic session.