ReThread 2026: Arts and Sites

28–31 May 2026 | Start: Thursday, 28 May at 9:00
Layer House and surroundings, Kranj

Mentors: Claire Wellesley-Smith, Editta Dulič, Barbara Brinovec Pribaković, Tea Pristolič, Matija Samec
Curator: Jasmina Ferček

ReThread 2026 is a four-day retreat exploring the intimate dialogue between textile, landscape, and self. Participants will explore stitching and other textile techniques as a way of recording the environment, sketching impressions, and creating diary-like traces of time and place. The programme builds on the Textile Art Biennial BIEN and its WellBIEN platform, examining how textile and nature intertwine and influence creative practice.

Programme Highlights:

• Claire Wellesley-Smith, an internationally acclaimed textile artist and researcher, will guide participants in exploring ways of observing and responding to their surroundings through textile processes.

• Tea Pristolič, Editta Dulič, and Barbara Brinovec Pribaković will guide a process through which a temporary, vibrantly pulsating textile space of care will emerge.

• Every morning Matija Samec will guide participants through grounding practices that cultivate awareness of self and nature.

• The programme concludes with a Creative Reflection session led by the programme curator Jasmina Ferček.

Practical Info:

• Duration: 4 days, 27 hours of activities

• Places: Limited to 14 participants

• Fee: 145 EUR (Early Bird until 23 March) / 185 EUR (Regular until 27 May)

• Includes: All workshops and four vegan lunches

• Tickets: olaii.com/event/9483/odmik-2026-s-claire-wellesley-smith

• Registration:
  1. Secure your place by purchasing a ticket
  2. After purchase, please send an email to bien@layer.si with the subject line “ReThread 2026” including your details (full name, email address, phone number, dietary restrictions, and the 16-character ticket code you receive upon purchase, e.g. FA1FDB669F2B0436). You will receive additional information regarding your participation at ReThread via email.

• More info: layer.si/bien/en/kr/rethread2026

Organizer: BIEN Textile Art Biennial via Carnica Institute
Partners: Layer House, Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage – Kranj Regional Unit, Prešeren Theatre Kranj
Co-financers: Ministry of Culture of Republic of Slovenia, Ministry of Public Administration, Culture for Mental Health project

Cover photo: artwork by Claire Wellesley-Smith, photo by Michael Wicks