This festival is first and foremost for the Irish textile and fashion design community from across the island, including established industry professionals (designers and makers, brands, manufacturers, educators) and future professionals (students). However, we also welcome those who play a crucial role in enabling a circular textiles industry in Ireland, such as collectors, recyclers, technology providers, funders, press and policy makers.

This inaugural programme will ask the question ‘How might we design a circular textiles industry in Ireland?’ A dynamic, action-oriented programme of talks, panels, showcases and collaborative industry workshops will highlight the urgent need and unique opportunity we have to create a just, circular textiles industry in Ireland – and the critical role that design plays in enabling that transition.

The festival is designed in two parts; to ideate and to activate.

IDEATE (11am-1.20pm, in-person & digital livestream)

The morning programme will explore the current ‘linear’ state of play and the urgency and opportunity for change. We will hear inspirational & concrete examples of what circular innovation looks like, from national and international best-practice

– Keynote talks from three frontrunners in the circular design field:

• Jade Wilting, Environmental Responsibility Manager at GANNI
• Prof Beckey Earley, Founder of the Centre for Circular Design at University of Arts, London
• Thami Schweichler, of Makers Unite and United Repairs Centre

– A panel discussion with thought leaders and innovators

LUNCH (1.20pm-2.20pm, catering provided for those attending in-person)

ACTIVATE (2.20pm-7pm, in-person only)

The afternoon programme will focus on turning inspiration to action. We will follow an immersive and hands-on workshop, and collectively explore and identify common barriers and drivers to change along the Irish textiles value chain. Together, we will begin to co-create a circular roadmap for the Irish textiles industry.

– Dynamic and industry-focused workshops

– A showcase and ‘pitch’ from the 11 Irish brands pioneering circular design solutions within our pilot training programme this year.

– Facilitated networking & drinks

Note: The hybrid programme will also cater to a remote audience with a livestream of the morning session. A recording will then be made available to registered participants.