FTT will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026

by Peter Bichler, Chair of ICOC International Committee

As 2025 draws to a close, I would like to draw your attention to two highlights to look forward to in 2026.

The Forum Textil- und Teppichkunst (FTT) will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, making it the oldest existing carpet society in Europe. To celebrate this remarkable anniversary our EC member, Ester Sackmann Rageth, will be organising a two-day symposium in Basel, Switzerland in March 2026. It is not an ICOC event but ICOC members are actively involved in the organisation.

There will be a number of international speakers, including EC member, Markus Voigt. Please note that presentations will be mainly delivered in German.

Our IC member, Ivan Soenderholm, reports on this symposium in Jozan (details below):

Find a new announcement of the coming symposium in a German version: https://www.jozan.net/de/symposium-in-basel-textilien-im-wandel-50-jahre-forum-textil-und-teppichkunst/
and English version: https://www.jozan.net/symposium-in-basel-textiles-in-transition-50-years-forum-textil-und-teppichkunst/

I am therefore very much looking forward to seeing you all in Basel.

Another long-awaited highlight will be happening in Vienna in 2026. The MAK with its world-famous carpet collection will present its new display of carpets and textiles from its extensive textile treasure trove. As soon as more details will be available I will inform you more about this event.

Peter Bichler, Chair of ICOC International Committee