Threads of Female Power

 Threads of Female Power

• Are you a textile designer, a fashion designer or an artist working with textile?
• Are you interested in gender and female textile traditions?
• Are you free in September 2025 and would like to explore these themes together with other artists/designers?

Then you should apply for the “Threads of Female Power” residency organized by the Goethe-Institut Chennai and the Alliançe Francaise of Madras. This residency explores Shakti —the feminine force, known by many names across the world. Some call it intuition, others witchcraft. It has been revered, feared, suppressed, and celebrated. From inner strength and instinct to mysticism and healing practices, this force has shaped women's lives and cultural narratives for centuries. 

We aim to connect this collective female force with the rich heritage of Indian textile traditions. During the 4 week residency, participants will be introduced to a variety of traditional textile practices as well as the empowering concept of Shakti.

Each participant will be required to create a textile-based installation inspired by the themes explored during the residency. These works will be presented in a curated exhibition at Alliance Française of Madras in March 2026.
 
To apply, you must:

• Be a female artist (from-  Germany, France and India -based out of Chennai)
• Have a background in textile design, fashion design, or textile art
• Have previously exhibited your work publicly
• Be 18 years of age or older

The residency will take place in Chennai from August 30 to the end of September 2025. If you are interested, please send us your application documents, consisting of:

• Name and surname, date of birth, place of birth, passport number, current address, email, phone number, website (if any) and a confirmation that you are available during the period August 30 to September 27, 2025.
• A cover letter in which you explain how you deal with the topic in terms of content and which artistic concept or idea you would like to pursue within the framework of the residency.
• Curriculum vitae
• Portfolio

Please send your complete application documents by June 6, 2025, via email to info-chennai@goethe.de.