Gorizia, European Capital of Culture 2025, hosts Gorizia Design Week (7-16 March 2025), as one of the first events to kick off the cultural program. Its goal is to raise awareness and appreciation of two cities united by a border – Nova Gorica and Gorizia.
The chosen theme, FIBER ART & TEXTILE DESIGN, highlights the symbolic power of fabric and weaving. Threads represent connection, unity between people, and the stitching together of urban areas. This theme reflects the deep bond between the two border cities.
The exhibition spreads across both cities. Venues include Go! Center, Auditorium della Cultura Friulana, Galleria Agorè, The Good Store, and Carinarnica. It presents design objects selected through an open call for designers under 40. Alongside them, works from young contemporary artists from the IoDeposito ETS creative hub will also be on display.
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Oloop Connections
Design weaves the scenary
The selected works offer a snapshot of today’s design scene. They reflect global trends within the local context. Key trends include:
•Participatory design, where creating objects becomes a tool for social connection and personal growth. The carpet-in-progress Connections by Slovenian group Oloop Design offers a perfect example.
•Conscious design, which focuses on responsible use of resources, from material sourcing to product disposal, while promoting care and longevity.
•Design and craftsmanship, which values manual skills and personal engagement.
The exhibition also showcases iconic design objects inspired by textiles. Highlights include the Falkland lamp by Bruno Munari, the Tuta coat hanger by Nendo, and the Crinoline armchair by Patricia Urquiola.
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Cuscino Pizzolongo
Gorizia Design Week: textile art to explore contemporary issues
The artists contribute works using fibre art to explore contemporary issues. Themes range from African renaissances to local textile heritage, and from critiques of consumerism to reflections on care and repair. ‘Red threads’ weave through the exhibition, symbolizing connections across time and space, linking visitors to universal stories.
The event aims to highlight innovative uses and trends in fibre art. It promotes a culture that crosses national borders — and blurs the lines between art and design.
Knotted coat rack by Urska Sadar
A special collaboration with ISIS Galilei Fermi Pacassi of Gorizia created the exhibition graphics. ISIS Fermo Solari of Tolmezzo designed and produced the exhibition supports for the design section. The University of the Third Age (UTE) Paolo Naliato of Udine, together with Noi dell’Arte, involved senior citizens in an intergenerational creative project, exhibited at the Auditorium of Friulian Culture.
Gorizia Design Week is organised by the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Museum of Design. It is supported by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Municipality of Gorizia. The event also has the patronage of the Association of Italian Professional Interior Designers (AIPI) and Confapi FVG, with contributions from many partners, including Cumini Interior, Riccardo Rivoli Furniture Design Atelier, Modonutti, Fausped, and Pevere.
Gorizia Design Week, March, 7-16, 2025
For professionals and general public
Size: 100 events
Visit Go2025.eu website for more info
Some images from Gorizia Design Week 2025
