In Clermont-Ferrand, the International Festival of Extraordinary Textiles (FITE) celebrates its 7th biennial

On the occasion of FITE, textiles are in the spotlight through exhibitions combining traditional know-how and contemporary creativity. On the program: festivities until July 7 and exhibitions until January 12, 2025.

Like every two years, textiles are celebrated in the neighborhoods of Clermont-Ferrand. The International Festival of Extraordinary Textiles (FITE) is celebrating its 7th biennial until July 7. After a week of colorful parades, the program continues until January 12, 2025 with the installation of two permanent exhibitions at the museum Bargoin and the Roger-Quilliot Art Museum (MARQ).

Some fifty artists, designers and heritage collections from thirty-two different nationalities present unique pieces combining traditional know-how and contemporary creativity.

Textiles tell the story of humanity. “We all have a connection with textiles. We are all dressed; we are born, live and die in textiles. Textiles cross all countries, continents and societies,” explains Thomas LeveugleFITE commissioner.

Old fabrics carry smells and emotions. Low Costersa Dutch designer, crumples them up and rolls them into balls to create giant clowns. “We live in a culture where we examine each other a lot. We would do better to look at ourselves. For me, the clown represents this culture where we look a lot at appearances, but little at what we have inside ourselves,” explains the stylist. Textiles are perhaps the thing that unites us in a world where everything is divided.

In all the rooms, creativity and color reign supreme. The artists have fun, but the game does not prevent reflection. Here, textiles are a language to which a Lithuanian artist gives a political dimension. Flowery cross-stitch on rusty metal, ownerless shoes connected by embroidery: everything evokes the war in Ukraine. “The shoes symbolize the victims. It is an act of solidarity for all these people who live in such difficult situations. This piece is this size today, but it is unfortunately set to grow, because the war does not stop,” tell Severija Incirauskaitevisual artist.

Other themes are addressed such as the ecological crisis, fast fashion and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. FITE artists play with materials to remind us of the importance of living together.

Shows, workshops, meetings and visits: a program that extends until January 12, 2025. All the information is available here.