British Textile Biennial (BTB) is a free festival of contemporary art, commissioning artists and designers from all over the world to make work inspired by the context and legacy of the textile industry in East Lancashire
and its global impact, often in the places that were created by it.
For our 2025 edition, BTB explores themes of invention and innovation, spanning indigenous knowledge and cutting-edge technology, and examines the global impact of pioneering textiles from Lancashire.
Working with our partner venues, producers and funders we have created 4 significant new commission opportunities to be presented as part of the BTB25 programme during October.
The BTB Emerging Artist Award – working in partnership with In-Situ to develop a new work in collaboration with local people in Pendle, supported by the Fenton Arts Trust.
1.A British Council supported residency and commission to work with our partners at La Condition Publique and La Manufacture in Roubaix, Northern France, The Making Rooms in Blackburn and the industrial textile collections across Lancashire.
2. A co-commission with The Harris Museum & Art Gallery in Preston, to explore their collection relating
to the Courtaulds Factory and production of Rayon in Lancashire
3. A residency and co-commission with Creative Spaces Burnley at the brand new One Two Three Gallery and Studios responding to the cyclical relationship between innovation and science fiction which has influenced fabric and fashion over the past century.
4. We are particularly keen to commission artists, designers or collectives whose work could:
-Engage with local communities: Build connections with the people and places of Lancashire, incorporating their voices, stories, and experiences.
-Respond to the region’s 20th century textile legacy: Explore Lancashire’s textile legacy, from high-performance materials used in historic expeditions to innovative fabric production in the 20th century.
-Address contemporary challenges: Reflect on the environmental impact of textile innovation and investigate sustainable or restorative practices inspired by traditional knowledge.
-Respond through a variety of media: We are really excited to work with artists and creatives whose practice can respond to the textile heritage and context of our area in any medium, not just textiles.
While we welcome proposals across all disciplines, we are especially excited by projects that establish meaningful dialogue with local residents and collaborators. The work should not only be inspired by the region’s industrial heritage but also resonate with its communities today, fostering pride, awareness, and conversation.
For full details of BTB25’s curatorial theme please visit – the BTB25 website.
