The project offers a diverse program including workshops, markets, exhibitions, debates, guided tours, and urban routes, with a focus on creativity and knowledge transfer. ACT president, Lala de Dios, highlighted the renewed interest in textiles from both creators and the public, emphasizing the value of native fibers and forgotten processes, as well as the creation of biomaterials.
Madrid Textile Month, in its third edition, gathers events where textiles are the protagonist, involving schools, museums, shops, galleries, studios, and associations. The general director of the Royal Tapestry Factory (RFT), Alejandro Klecker de Elizalde, stressed that the initiative aligns with the RFT's mission to preserve centuries-old crafts like weaving and embroidery. The collaboration will allow ACT members to undertake residencies in direct contact with master artisans and participate in real projects in the carpet and 'repostero' (embroidery) manufacturing departments.
Also speaking at the event were Pepa Entrena, director of Cocol Madrid; María Delgado, director of Casabonita Carabanchel; and Macarena Navarro-Reverter, journalist, art historian, and contemporary craft specialist.
New this year are online activities and a Satellite Program for initiatives held outside Madrid. A collaborative textile creation project will be developed with students from the Fine Arts Degree at Nebrija University. Spaces like Cocol Madrid and Casabonita will also join the program with workshops, talks, and markets. Institutional partners include the National Archaeological Museum, National Museum of Decorative Arts, Royal Tapestry Factory, Nebrija University, and the La Neomudéjar Museum.
During November, four ACT associates will undertake artistic residencies at the RFT to learn traditional textile manufacturing techniques. Two will focus on carpet making, and the other two on 'repostero' manufacturing using the cut-embroidery technique. The RFT's general director will participate in the panel discussion 'Textile Craftsmanship: Tradition, Innovation, and Market' alongside Macarena Navarro-Reverter and Ana Cela, director of the Museo Thyssen shop.
