This summer, the Michelangelo Foundation welcomed young artisans and designers to Aubusson (France) to study tapestry making. Developed in collaboration with local members of the foundation’s international network, the recent Summer School Programme allowed young students and graduates to take part in a course aiming to discuss issues at the heart of tapestry making today.

The course at the Cité internationale de la tapisserie focused on the relationship between creativity and interpretation in tapestry making and the impact of the Lausanne International Tapestry Biennials in the 1960s. The twenty students from nine different countries took part in talks, tapestry workshops and visits to museums, manufacturers and workshops, immersing themselves in the world of traditional and contemporary tapestry.

Students collaborated to create a common work inspired by the masterpiece Element virtuel spatial by Swiss artist Elsi Giauque from 1969. The piece created by the young students will be presented at the Cité internationale de la tapisserie.

Over eight days, participants were immersed in the world of tapestry making. They worked collaboratively toward the creation of a tapestry under the guidance of master tapestry weaver Christian Blanchon, deciding to work on climate change by reinterpreting the four elements, the earth, air, fire and water.

Read next: Jennifer Harper's article Crossover Artist in the Thread issue. Subscribe to Selvedge here.