Contextile 2026
5 september – 29 november 2026
CONTEXTILE is already an international benchmark in the field of contemporary textile art. Created in 2012, as part of Guimarães European Capital of Culture, the biennial is a unique cultural and artistic event that transforms the Guimarães region into the epicentre of a process of interaction and connection between artists, creators, communities, industry and territories.
Since its inception, CONTEXTILE has taken on an international stance, attracting artists from all over the world to its artistic programme and building lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with an increasingly wide range of partners on all continents.
Based on the theme of contemporary textile art, the Biennial addresses textile culture in the city, the territory and the world, bringing to Guimarães interactions, discussions and new perspectives on textile culture, whether from the perspective of ecological and social sustainability or from the sharing of knowledge of craft techniques applied to contemporary life.
The International Exhibition is the centrepiece of the biennial's programme, bringing together creators from dozens of countries and exploring the diversity of contemporary creation in textile art. This is complemented by exhibitions – Guest Artist, Emergencies, Guest Country – with artistic residencies resulting from different international partnerships, conversations and talks.
Between 5 September and 29 November 2026, there will be 12 weeks dedicated to Contemporary Art and Textile Culture. An 85-day programme filled with exhibitions, artist residencies, performances, workshops and a series of Textile Talks, designed to make CONTEXTILE 2026 the most dynamic and significant edition to date.