This January, WOVEN Curator Nat Walton and Julia Roebuck, Director of Thread Republic CIC and Upcycle Fashion, attended the 4th Learning Encounters 2026 hosted by the UNESCO Learning Cities French Network Lead in Clermont-Ferrand and the Institut d’Auvergne du Développement des Territoires (IADT).
Over three days, Nat and Julia joined a full programme of presentations showcasing inspiring projects that connect young people and communities with agriculture, heritage and sustainable behaviour change. They shared how WOVEN celebrates local textile heritage, how communities shape the festival, and the creative career pathways it opens for local creatives and young people.
The visit also included site tours and opportunities to exchange ideas with international colleagues. With support from translators, Nat and Julia met the Director of the Roger-Quilliot Museum of Art and founder of the Textile Biennale Clermont-Ferrand to discuss their textile collection and the Biennale’s global reach.
After a morning trip to a rural organic vineyard, they visited La Lainerie du Gévaudan in Saugues, an impressive three-storey wool museum and social enterprise offering wool processing services, a shop and workshop space. The organisation provides employment and support for people facing barriers to work.
We extend our thanks to UNESCO Learning Cities and the University of Huddersfield for inviting WOVEN to take part. We look forward to future collaboration and continued shared learning.
