Haslach Summer Symposium 2026: Rethinking textile waste

Location: Haslach, Austria
Date: 20.07.2026 - 30.07.2026
By: SYMCRAFT
 

Through hands-on courses in weaving, knitting, braiding, and sewing, you’ll experiment directly with textile waste—transforming it into something meaningful and new. A special excursion to regional textile companies offers insight into production processes and access to real industrial waste materials used in the workshops.

Beyond the studio, a rich programme of exhibitions, lectures, and public events expands the conversation. Two major exhibitions—MIST! Rethinking Textile Waste and TWIST – art from waste—present inspiring approaches from contemporary design and experimental art. The symposium concludes with a finissage showcasing participants’ work.

Midway through, the International Weavers’ Market (25–26 July) brings the town to life with textiles, tools, yarns, and creative exchange.

Come to Haslach to learn, experiment, and rethink materials— and leave with new skills, ideas, and connections.

Programme preview

Two exhibitions will focus on this year’s theme. The exhibition „MIST! Rethinking textile waste!“ in the special exhibition room of the Textile Centre Haslach explains the background to different types of textile waste, conveys innovative recycling ideas and provides future-oriented examples of contemporary design that show how residual materials can become valuable raw materials.

In the second exhibition „TWIST – art from waste“, free, experimental works are presented on the eight floors of the Haslach church tower, which utilise various textile waste materials to formulate independent modes of expression and artistic statements. In addition to works by invited international artists, contributions by students from the University of Art and Design Linz and other educational institutions will also be on display, opening up a young, fresh perspective on the subject.

Opening of both exhibitions on Monday, 20 July, 19:30

mist!

rethinking textile waste

Textile Centre Haslach

21 July 2026 – 30 March 2027

twist

art from waste

church tower Haslach

21 July – 16 August 2026

In addition to the two large exhibitions, there will be other smaller exhibitions, activities in public spaces and lectures. There will be a finissage on Friday from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, where the results of the courses will be shown.

The detailed supporting programme will be published in May!

Weavers’ market weekend: Sat 25 / Sun 26 July

International weavers’ market in the old „Stelzen“ district and around the textile factory: Sat 25 July 9:00-18:00 and Sun 26 July 9:00-17:00

Faserzone: Sale of yarns, material & accessories: Fri 24 July 16:00-18:00, Sat 25 July 9:00-18:00, Sun 26 July 9:00-17:00

Admission: 4 Euro

More info: Sommer 2026 – Kurse im Textilen Zentrum Haslach