In Fafe, straw braiding is more than a technique: it is a craft passed down through generations, rooted in the land, the hands and the collective memory of a community.
It was from this heritage that Embracing the Art of Straw Braiding was born, as part of the Experimentar o Têxtil programme, an initiative by the Municipality of Fafe in partnership with the Contextile Biennial. Dedicated to the traditional straw braiding of Fafe, the exhibition brought together tradition and contemporary creativity, showcasing a craft that continues to reinvent itself while remaining connected to its roots.
Featuring works by Ana Leandro, António Jorge and Mónica Faria, the exhibition explored the relationships between straw, the landscape, artisans and the community. It also highlighted the ongoing efforts to secure Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for this traditional craft.
Building on the works created by António Jorge during his artistic residency for that exhibition, alongside other pieces produced subsequently, a new selection has been brought together once again through the collaboration between Contextile and the Municipality of Fafe. This collection seeks to explore new forms, artistic languages and possibilities for the future of Fafe’s straw braiding tradition.
Free admission.
