Summer School Programme 2019 - Aubusson

September 2019, Geneva – The Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship is giving 20 young artisans and designers from around Europe the chance to participate in a course on tapestry making at the world-renowned centre for tapestry making Cité internationale de la tapisserie in Aubusson, France, as part of the foundation’s inaugural Summer School Programme.

The Tapestry and Artistic Interpretation course invites students from Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Poland, Latvia, Spain, Slovakia, Sweden and the United Kingdom to discover the specific tapestry making techniques from Aubusson and to discuss European tapestry methods.

Interpretation in tapestry making is the focus of this course, a notion that was introduced during the Lausanne biennials in the 1960s when contemporary artists became makers, thus disrupting the traditional process of tapestry making involving an artist, a cartoonist and a weaver. Today, this issue is still at the forefront of discussions as the distinction between art and craft is more blurred than ever. Over eight days, participants are immersed in the world of tapestry making by visiting cultural sites, manufacturers and workshops, debating the theory and practice of interpreting an artist’s design and working collaboratively toward the creation of a tapestry under the guidance of master tapestry weaver Christian Blanchon. Participants have decided to work on climate change by reinterpreting the four elements, the earth, air, fire and water.

Selected participant Zoe, a graduate from Central Saint Martins and a former Young Ambassador at Homo Faber: Crafting a more human future, the signature exhibition of the foundation, explains:

“Getting an insight into Aubusson tapestry would broaden my existing knowledge of textiles. I would like to design for bespoke, luxury projects. The skill of the artisan is vital in this market therefore this opportunity would be invaluable. I hope to discover a new craft which I can bring into my own practice. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from the best producers of this craft in the world. I would soak up every word they said to me! My key objective would be to develop myself as a collaborator.”

The Summer School Programme is a new educational initiative developed with members of the foundation’s international network, offering 50 young students and recent graduates in craftsmanship and design a fully funded place on a participating short course. The aim is to give these young talents the opportunity to try something new, outside their usual specialisation, helping them to broaden their horizons, fulfil their potential and make cross-disciplinary connections that will benefit them as their careers develop.

While participants will discover new skills, their own fresh perspective is vital to the sector. By generating exchanges on a European level, the Summer School Programme aims to encourage future collaborations and further actions to ensure new ways of working in tapestry making.

For more information visit michelangelofoundation.org/en/10-summer-school