ABOUT WTA
World Textile Art is one of the most respected contemporary textile art organizations in the world. In 2022, during its X Biennial, it will celebrate its twenty-fifth Anniversary.
Textiles have been a fundamental part of human life since the beginning of civilization. In 1997, inspired by the ancient traditions of textile art, adding a contemporary flair, Colombian textile artist Pilar Tobón founded WTA – Women in Textile Art. It later morphed into World Textile Art to include more artists regardless of gender.
The main objective of the WTA is to support contemporary textile artists from around the world, promoting this important art form through biennials and special events. In the same way, develop different educational programs that foster their appreciation and practice.
Part of the great success of the organization is directly related to the support of the most important creators of this art form worldwide, not only for their participation as artists but also for their educational and public relations support, opening the doors of different important institutions and museums around the world.
This year 2022, WTA celebrates its 25th anniversary with the X International Biennial “25 YEARS WTA”, from October to December 2022 where more than ten countries will interconnect to celebrate WTA history.
Board of Directors
Laura Ferrando
Martha Alvarez
Consulting Group - Colombia
Yosi Anaya
Consulting Group - Mexico
María Ortega
Consulting Group - Spain
International Representative
Japan- China- Korea
Silke
Austria - Argentina
Maria Pagola
Biret Tavman
Virginia D'alto
Pilar Tobon
Dora Hara
Eva Soban
Felipe Maqueira
Juan Ojea
WTA: 25 years weaving history...
1997
Pilar Tobón, President and Colombian textile artist, founded the Women in Textile Art-WTA, in the city of Miami-Florida, United States.
2000
I Biennial of Contemporary Textile Art WTA “Reborn pre-Columbian”, Hispanic-American Museum of Florida Art in Coral Gables-United States.
19 participating countries.
20,000 visitors.
2002
II Biennial “Interlacement–Fiver and Metal”, ARA Gallery Cultural Center in Coral Gables – United States.
37 participating countries.
15,000 visitors.
2004
III Biennial “Square-Carre-Cuadrado”, Museum of Modern Art in Valencia-Venezuela. Resounding success!
With this new venue, the Biennale becomes nomadic.
37 participating countries.
30,000 visitors.
2006
IV Biennial “Man+Woman=Creation”, Costa Rican-North American Cultural Center in San José-Costa Rica.
For the first time conferences and workshops are held.
37 participating countries.
35,000 visitors.
2007
WTA Anniversary “10 years of creativity”, Consulate of Colombia-Miami, United States.
Exhibition of works donated by 260 Honorary Members.
30 invited artists.
2009
V Biennial, Palais de Glace in Buenos Aires – Argentina.
The Autonomous Government of the city of Buenos Aires declared the Biennale a “Cultural Event of National and International Importance”.
42 participating countries.
150,000 visitors.
It changes its name to World Textile Art.
2011
VI Biennial “Air”, in the cities of Mexico D.F., Xalapa and Oaxaca-Mexico. For the first time, 5 salons are held per Call.
40 participating countries.
200,000 visitors.
2017
VII Biennial “Diversity”, in the cities of Montevideo and Punta del Este-Uruguay. 5 rooms per call.
32 participating countries.
18,900 visitors.
2019
VIII Biennial “Sustainable Cities”, in the city of Madrid-Spain. First Biennial held outside America.
42 participating countries.
200,000 visitors.
2020
IX “Pachakuti” Biennial, based in Chile. The pandemic caused by COVID-19 breaks out and the Online Biennial becomes a space of brotherhood and union for the world’s textile artists, around the “work in progress”.
45 participating countries from 5 continents.
368 applicants.
