Historically, large state-owned factories like Uzinele Textile Timișoara (UTT), 1 Iunie, Industria Lânii (ILSA), and Bumbacul were central to Timișoara’s economy and community life, shaping entire neighbourhoods and livelihoods. However, with increased EU-wide competition, mass production has declined. Today, while the industry is less visible, it is far from obsolete.
The program “Woven Secrets” invites to view the textile industry as a complex, interconnected sector reflecting broader economic trends in Romania, Europe, and global production systems. The exhibition highlights design’s power to disrupt conventional production models and presents bold, visionary approaches to making, producing, and collaborating.
Romanian designers collaborated with experts, researchers, engineers, manufacturers, and local factories to create original design works related to textile waste, recycling, upcycling, and supply chain gaps.
Stories from former workers of Timișoara’s textile factories complement the exhibition, offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage and lived experience of those who built the city’s textile industry.
The exhibition also features works by international tutors and students from Timișoara, resulting from the Young Matters program, where they build interdisciplinary networks and contribute to the broader conversation about sustainable design and future ideas for the city.
The exhibition will be open from October 3 to November 24.
Curator: Martina Muzi
Designers and collaborators involved: Ami Amalia, Dinu Bodiciu, Cătălin Botean, Alesia Cîdă, Nicoleta-Lavinia Ghimbășan, , Andreea Ana-Maria Pleșa & Anamaria Mihaela Vișovan, Maria Gabriela Rada & Maria Dombrov, Alex Todirică, Răzvan Zamfira.
Designers and collaborators involved: Ami Amalia, Dinu Bodiciu, Cătălin Botean, Alesia Cîdă, Nicoleta-Lavinia Ghimbășan, , Andreea Ana-Maria Pleșa & Anamaria Mihaela Vișovan, Maria Gabriela Rada & Maria Dombrov, Alex Todirică, Răzvan Zamfira.
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5:30 PM – Exhibition opening of “Woven Secrets,” followed by a guided tour with curator Martina Muzi and designers
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5:30 PM – Exhibition opening of “Woven Secrets,” followed by a guided tour with curator Martina Muzi and designers
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12:00 PM – Guided exhibition tour with curator Martina Muzi and designers
2:00 PM – Conference with designers, representatives from the textile industry, and local administration
12:00 PM – Guided exhibition tour with curator Martina Muzi and designers
2:00 PM – Conference with designers, representatives from the textile industry, and local administration
????????, ??????? ?:
11:00 AM – Exhibition tour with curator Martina Muzi and designers
11:00 AM – Exhibition tour with curator Martina Muzi and designers
Strategic Partner: Politehnica University of Timișoara
Project funded by the Order of Architects of Romania, Administrația Fondului Cultural Național (AFCN), Centrul de Proiecte al Municipiului Timișoara
Partners: The Institute, Het Nieuwe Instituut, Faculty of Arts and Design of the West University of Timisoara, The European Creative Hubs Network (ECHN)
Collaborators: Ecocinix, IMP Romania, Pasmatex, Cottontex, Uniunea Tehnologiilor Textile, LanaTerm
Supported by: Banca Transilvania, Azur, Hamilton, Flex.
Mobility partner: Autonom
Media partners: Radio Guerrilla, Zeppelin.ro, Știri de Timișoara, Revista Atelierul, Empower Artists.
Project funded by the Order of Architects of Romania, Administrația Fondului Cultural Național (AFCN), Centrul de Proiecte al Municipiului Timișoara
Partners: The Institute, Het Nieuwe Instituut, Faculty of Arts and Design of the West University of Timisoara, The European Creative Hubs Network (ECHN)
Collaborators: Ecocinix, IMP Romania, Pasmatex, Cottontex, Uniunea Tehnologiilor Textile, LanaTerm
Supported by: Banca Transilvania, Azur, Hamilton, Flex.
Mobility partner: Autonom
Media partners: Radio Guerrilla, Zeppelin.ro, Știri de Timișoara, Revista Atelierul, Empower Artists.
