Conventions where we meet in person to discuss research and objects and also visit textile collections together have always been part of the CIETA’s activities. Every other year, the CIETA invites its members to an international congress defined by a general theme. The congresses are held in different cities, usually in the end of September or the beginning of October. Over three days, papers introduce the participants to ongoing projects, the results of cutting edge research, important collections and individual textile objects. Visits and gallery talks complement the programme, and on an additional excursion day the participants are invited to museums and treasuries in the area.

Recent congresses have been held in:

• 2025 – Museo del Traje, Madrid: “New Directions in the Study of Historical Textiles”
• 2023 – Wawel Royal Castle, Krakow: “Renaissances and Revivals”
• 2022 – Swiss National Museum, Zurich: “Excavations and Discoveries”
• 2019 – Deutsches Textilmuseum, Krefeld: “Dyestuffs and Colours in Textiles – Materiality and Significance”
• 2017 – The State Hermitage, St. Petersburg: “Power, Rank and Status – Textiles and Representation”
• 2015 – Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin: “Textiles in Transfer and Transformation“
• 2013 – Musées des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs, Lyon “The History of Textile Collections and Textile Research”
• 2011 – The National Museum, Copenhagen: “Cultural Encounters in Textiles and Costume between Northern Europe and the World”
• 2009 – Musées Royaux d’Art et d’Histoire, Brussels: “Textiles in Trade (woven textiles, lace, tapestries…)”

The 32nd CIETA congress will be hosted from 27 to 30 September 2027 by the University of Uppsala, Uppsala, (Sweden).

We will be very pleased to welcome the CIETA members in Uppsala.

The 32nd CIETA Congress will be hosted by the Textile History team at Uppsala University. The university, which is the oldest in Sweden, will celebrate its 550th anniversary in 2027. Textile History started there as an academic discipline about 40 years ago, with roots in the groundbreaking textile research of Agnes Branting and Agnes Geijer. The discipline also originates from textile crafts and teachers’ education programs which have contributed to a combined focus on practical and theoretical knowledge.

The 2027 congress will focus on Material Literacy, which acknowledges the role of craftsmanship in understanding the structures and construction of textiles. Material Literacy also recognizes the knowledge and understanding of textile techniques as tools for analysis and research across a broad range of subjects and disciplines.

Textile History is part of the Art History department and is located at the English Park Campus, a Centre for the Humanities. The department is located close to the city centre, Uppsala Cathedral and castle, the university library, and the botanical gardens.

Uppsala is the fourth largest city in Sweden, and has long been an important hub for political, cultural and historical events. It has been home to kings and queens, famous researchers and influential religious figures. This is reflected in the large number of museums, art galleries, parks and gardens, together with a vibrant city life full of activity and cultural events.

Visible from most places is Uppsala Cathedral, which was built in 1270. Its treasury is home to a substantial textile collection including the famous 16th century Sture garments, many examples of medieval silk fabrics, and the golden gown of Queen Margareta.

Uppsala Castle, a site of many dramatic events in Swedish history, now hosts two museums. Close to the city is Gamla Uppsala with its sixth century burial mounds and a museum. About an hour by train from Uppsala are Stockholm, Gävle, Västerås and Sigtuna which also offer many cultural experiences.

Uppsala is located 20 minutes by train from Arlanda Airport. It is a small city with all the university locations and most museums within walking distance of the centre and the English Park campus. Museum visits in Uppsala will take place during the congress and longer trips outside Uppsala will be offered on the final day of the program.