Events

Workshops: April 5 – 6, 2017
Conference: April 7 – 8, 2017

The event recording is available via YouTube. 

The conference, demonstration, and workshop, Weaving: Cognition, Technology, Culture, to be held April 5-8, 2017 at Columbia University, will raise questions about the economic, social, and cultural significance of weaving, but also broader issues about craft as cognition, cognitive change over time, innovation in craft and the role of “traditional” crafts in the modern era. It will consider the preservation of craft practices and their cultures, as well as issues concerning individual autonomy, sustainability, and dignity in craft-making. The program brings together scholars from history, economics, sociology, anthropology, psychology and cognitive sciences, experts in textile and craft, textile entrepreneurs, artisans, and artists. Free and open to the public, the program consists of two parts: a 2-day workshop in which expert weavers demonstrate weaving techniques with opportunities to learn at the looms; and a 2-day interdisciplinary conference, including lectures and discussion by speakers from the academic, art and commercial realm.

Free and open to the public but registration required.