Open call The Linen Stewards
Become linen steward!
Together in search of sustainable narratives from seed to fibre and beyond
In this project, Texture Kortrijk explores hands-on what a local, sustainable production and value chain for flax and linen could look like. We invite a diverse group of participants to work together on a flax field for a year. Guided by experts, these ‘linen stewards’ go through all the steps of the process, from flax seed through linen fibre to various end products. We share field, work, profit, risk, knowledge, stories, experience, harvest and results. This creates ideas, stories and products for the future, which we love to share with others.
Something for you?
Do you want to depict innovative possibilities and tell new stories for the future, inspired by traditional techniques?
Do you have a background in agriculture, fashion, textiles, crafts, product design, visual arts? Are you a curious theatre maker, photographer, mechanical engineer,...? Are you passionate about heritage or have a great love for flax?
Would you like to experience all the steps of the process, from cultivation to finished product, up close and personal for a year under the expert guidance of a flax and design coach?
Would you like to explore sustainable processes and apply them in your own design or research practice?
Sign up as a linen steward (application is possible until Sunday 2 February 2025)
The Linen Project
Since 2018, The Linen Project has been researching and reactivating the economic viability of small-scale local flax cultivation and linen production in the Netherlands. Together, we build on our experiences and Texture forms the first link in a European and international network. In this way, we are building a community that recognises and values the origin of their material and the processes involved.
What do we offer you?
10 collective work sessions with all linen stewards on our field in Heule, Kortrijk, with space for own interpretation and exchange.
Guidance by an experienced flax coach (fieldwork) and design coach (winterwork) every step of the way. They guide the group during the fieldwork from seed to fibre, take you in tow along various sustainable and biobased design practices and inspire when processing the harvest.
A 2-day inspiration trip (May-June) along flax and linen hotspots in Flanders and northern France.
What do we expect?
You commit for at least one year around as linen steward (Feb - Dec 2025), and are cordially invited to step further into the multi-year project. You share knowledge, skills, field and work. You make all necessary decisions on this together.
You like to cooperate and exchange. You want to share insights, pass them on and use them for the future. No experience required, just enthusiasm and enthusiasm!
A participation fee of EUR 250 covers the costs for guidance, rent, organic seed and use of artisanal processing tools for 1 year. Additional costs (such as the inspiration trip) will be shared by all stewards.
More information?
Are you interested but would like to hear more about linen stewards first? On Friday evening 24 January 2025 at 19h, we will organise an introductory meeting and question hour at Texture museum. We will be happy to tell you more about the project and its progress. You can go there with all your questions and get to know the project partners and other interested linen stewards. Welcome! Register here for the introductory event.
Registration 2025
You can register for this call until Sunday 2 February 2025 using the form. Make a note of the kick-off meeting on Sunday 23 February in your diary! In case of great interest, we will make a selection of participants. You will hear no later than Friday 14 February whether you will be part of the linen stewards in 2025.
Planning 2025
From March to August, we work together on a field in Heule, near Kortrijk. In autumn, you process the harvest in your own project. We follow the rhythm of nature, so the exact dates are determined according to the conditions and growth of the flax. The growing and processing process will be guided by a flax coach and design coach.
Kick-off meeting at Texture museum, Kortrijk
Sunday 23 February: introduction, inspiration session flax, annual planning
Fieldwork (5 collective work moments in Heule, Kortrijk)
March - April | field preparation and sowing
April | Sunday school 1: heritage
May - June | weeding
May - June | international inspiration trip
July | Sunday School 2: regenerative agriculture
July - August | harvest - turn - tender
Winter work (5 collective work moments in Texture museum, Kortrijk)
September | braying - swishing - heeling
September | Sunday school 3: design
October | spinning - weaving - various techniques
October - November | concept development and intervision with design coach
December | international conference The Linen Project
