UPDATED on 28 October at 3:51 PM
Laos will host the Eighth International Association for the Study of Silk Road Textiles symposium and the Ninth ASEAN Traditional Textile Symposium from 3 to 6 November at the Landmark Riverside Hotel in Vientiane.
These events aim to promote traditional textile practices and celebrate the cultural heritage of Southeast Asia. Textiles are key to the region’s cultures, serving both functional and symbolic roles. The symposiums will highlight the traditional weaving, dyeing, and embroidery techniques of various communities.
The 8th International Association for the Study of Silk Road Textiles conference will focus on the theme “Textile Trails: The Legacy of Silk Roads in Southeast Asia,” while the 9th ASEAN Traditional Textile Symposium (ATTS 9) will carry the slogan “Weaving a Stronger ASEAN Community through Cultural Heritage and Textiles.” Both events are organized by the Traditional Textile Arts Society of Southeast Asia.
The inaugural ATTS took place in Jakarta in 2005 and has since been hosted by various Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand.
“We hope that this conference will help to spread and raise awareness about Laos silk weaving, emphasizing the cultural heritage and crafts,” said Phaiphone Saiyadeth, ATTS9 Secretariat. “We also feel very honored that Laos has been the host of this culturally meaningful and important event. We are delighted to be able to bring together artists, designers, researchers and those with a passion for textiles. We hope that everyone will gain new knowledge and perspectives from this conference.”
Linda McIntosh, the Program Coordinator for this year’s event, further noted that the symposium will bring together scholars, museum professionals, and textile enthusiasts from around the world.
“This symposium is an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge and foster collaboration among those who care about preserving traditional textile arts,” she said.
The symposium will feature speakers from diverse backgrounds, including a retired curator from the Victoria & Albert Museum, a French expert in natural dyes, and researchers from several countries, including the Netherlands, Malaysia, and the United States.
As the event approaches, participants look forward to valuable discussions and the celebration of traditional textile arts in Vientiane.
