The Textile Biennale, formerly known as FITE, has been running since July 1, 2026, and will continue until January 10, 2027. This edition, co-produced with the Museum of Ethnography of Geneva, explores the theme 'Beauty(ies)' and showcases creations by 120 artists from 24 nationalities. After Clermont-Ferrand, it will move to Geneva from April 16 to August 15, 2027.
In Clermont-Ferrand, the exhibition is spread across a dozen cultural venues, including the Musée d’Art Roger-Quilliot (MARQ). The program also extends to several departments of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and to Aubusson.
A collective work by Nigerian artist Victoria-Idongesit Udondian, titled 'Asase Ye Duru' ('The Earth is Heavy'), is presented in the MARQ atrium. This installation, made from collected textiles, questions clothing overconsumption in Europe and its global consequences, connecting territories like Ghana and Clermont-Ferrand.
The project is supported by VALTOM, Clermont Auvergne Métropole, the DRAC Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the City of Clermont-Ferrand, and other local partners. Students and associations are also participating in this initiative, echoing VALTOM's missions in waste prevention and reduction awareness.
Laurent Brunmurol, president of VALTOM, emphasizes that 'Supporting this Biennale represents... a way to cross 2 complementary universes: artistic creation and waste prevention.' The work invites us to rethink our clothing and consumption habits.
Awareness activities on fast fashion are also offered free of charge on the first Sunday of each month until January 2027 at 3 PM, aiming to question our practices and encourage more responsible consumption.
The Textile Biennale is held in Clermont-Ferrand and Aubusson until January 10, 2027, bringing together 120 artists from 24 nationalities and covering 6 departments of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes as well as Creuse.
The exhibition at the MARQ, Place Louis-Deteix in CLERMONT-FERRAND (Tel.: 04 43 76 25 25), offers an invitation to look at our clothing differently, as cultural and artistic resources to be preserved.
