プログラム

17.01.2026 - 15.02. 2026
Opening on January 16, 2026 at 18:00
Finlayson-Area, "Vooninki & Terde"
Väino Linnan aukio 13, Tampere
Social Media: Instagram and Facebook "9eqt_tampere_2026"

9.EQT Tampere 2026
The 9th European Quilt Triennale (9.EQT) is a Europe-wide contemporary textile art exhibition originating from a juried competition inspired by the tradition of quilting. The Triennale was initiated by the reputable textile curator Dr. Kristine Scherer in Heidelberg, Germany. For the 9.EQT, over 150 artists from 15 European countries submitted works during the call-for-entries, from which an international jury of five selected 45 textile pieces for the final exhibition.

Nanna, originally from Tampere and now based in Stuttgart, Germany, served on the jury for a second time and participated in the exhibition’s inauguration on February 9, 2025, at its home venue, the Textile Collection Max Berk Heidelberg. Max Berk is an affiliate museum of the renowned Kurpfälzisches Museum Heidelberg. Four artists received awards in Heidelberg.

The Doris Winter Memorial Prize, the main award, was shared by Monika Sebert for "Overhead Load" and Christa Ebert for "Dementia – Sinking into Oblivion", both German artists addressing themes of memory loss and disconnection. Judith Mundwiler (Switzerland) earned recognition for innovation in large format for "Fragments of Everyday Life", and Jessica Tonková (Slovakia), aged around 25, received the Young Talent Award for her sculptural textile "Connected", exploring mother–daughter bonds.

After Heidelberg, the 9.EQT traveled to the Textile Museum St. Gallen, Switzerland (May 22–September 14, 2025), then was shown at Kreismuseum Zons near Düsseldorf until early January 2026, before arriving in Tampere, Finland. Two of the exhibited works are created by Finnish artists, one of which lives in Pispala, Tampere.

9.EQT in Tampere – Finlayson Area
Nanna is thrilled about hosting 9.EQT in Tampere’s Finlayson Area, an ideal venue combining historic textile heritage with contemporary art. The exhibition takes place in the venue "Vooninki", a ground-level space open daily from 10:00–16:00 (closed Mondays). Free entry. Nanna stays in Tampere for the whole duration of the show and can be reached by email to [email protected].

The historic Finlayson site—once a cotton warehouse and now a vibrant cultural hub—houses museums, restaurants, galleries, shops, offices, a cinema, and the new Uumen-hotel. Its Finlayson Art Area (FAA) attracts large summer audiences for immersive, accessible art experiences.

In Tampere, "Vooninki" will serve as the exhibition’s main venue, while the neighboring space "Terde" hosts workshops, interactive sessions, and events organized with the help of Pinja Sara Heininen, a culture producer and Aalto University graduate. The exhibition’s program includes tours, talks, pop-ups, and co-creation events set among the artworks within the site’s historic textile walls.

Collaboration and Educational Partnerships
For the Tampere edition, Nanna has built partnerships with Finnish organizations and experts in textile history and education, recognizing Finland’s strong textile heritage—especially Tampere’s central role in Nordic textile production since the 19th century.
Collaborators include:
_Suomen käsityön ystävät, SKY ry (Friends of Finnish Handicrafts)
_Taitoliitto ry – Finland’s UNESCO partner for intangible cultural heritage and crafts education
_Taito Pirkanmaa ry – fosters craft and art education in the region
_Finn Quilt ry - the large national association for quilt artists and makers
_Modus ry – supporting local design, art, and craft studios
_Sasky Education Consortium
_Finnquilt ry
_Uumen Hotel, Finlayson Area Tampere

The project also involves numerous local and national textile actors and advocates, with Tampere City supporting selected workshops. Please consult e.g. Instagram for more details at 9eqt_Tampere_2026

Outlook
The 9.EQT Tampere exemplifies international and local collaboration at its best—bringing together artists, educators, and craft professionals from across Europe. The exhibition aims to be interactive, educational, and inspiring, fostering dialogue around textile art and cultural heritage.

Nanna is keenly looking forward to exchanging ideas and insights with visitors. The public is warmly encouraged to participate in the different workshops, guided tours (Wed/Fri and Sun at 2:30 pm), and social media activities. Please check for social media updates on Facebook and Instagram

Photo: The Väinö Linna Square is pictured here, the so called inner courtyard. The entrances to "Vooninki" and "Terde" are clearly marked. The sepaparte white building on the right is the Finnish Labour Museum Werstas. Nearby the fascinating Uumen Hotel Tampere Finlayson, a capsule hotel, just opened in summer 2025. All persons involved in 9.EQT-Tampere can access a special room rate in double occupancy - please ask Nanna or Pinja for the promotion code. THANK YOU EETU FOR THE HOTEL-COLLABORATION.