Window to Peace
Peace Embroidery is taking place in Switzerland for the 12th time and traces back to the initiative of a Swedish embroidery group. The slow craft of creating hand embroidery stands in stark contrast to today’s fast-paced society and, in particular, to the production of “fast fashion”, which entails unprecedented waste of resources and exploitation of people. Through their work, the embroiderers set an example for greater mindfulness and deceleration, demonstrating solidarity with fellow embroiderers all across the world.
Whenever feelings of powerlessness creep in, creative creation can offer a counterbalance. Embroidering, painting, sewing: whoever shapes something brings beauty into the world and experiences a sense of personal agency.
We often see ourselves as consumers, observers or affected individuals, but rarely as active creators. Yet a vibrant democracy needs precisely that: people who experience themselves as effective, who ask questions, take responsibility and help shape their environment.
Creating connects inner experience with outer reality. It means developing ideas and transforming the world around us. Whoever creates changes things — which is why every form of artistic creation is also a political act.
This year’s theme for Peace Embroidery is: Window to Peace
It invites people to pause, look closely and use creative means to stand against exclusion, oppression and fascism.
A window is a connection between the inside and the outside. It opens our gaze outward to what is happening in the world without looking away, and at the same time inward to doubts, anger, hope and longing. A window is never neutral. It is a transition between powerlessness and action, permeable to light, air and voices.
Exhibition: 18 October to 8 November 2026 at Kulturort Garnlager
Opening Event: Sunday, 18 October 2026, 2.00 pm
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 1.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Sunday, 18 October 2026 (Opening Event),
Saturday, 7 November 2026,
Sunday, 8 November 2026,
also open from 1.30 pm – 5.00 pm.
Full details can be found at www.kulturortgarnlager.org.
