Public talks around "Artisanal Intelligence"
As part of the Artisanal Intelligence exhibition, two evenings of lectures—on the 18th and 19th of June 2026—will bring together Belgian and Japanese experts whose work explores the connections between craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability. These sessions will provide a space for reflection on how traditional craftsmanship can inspire more responsible contemporary models in the fields of textiles, architecture, design, and collaborative creation. Through their respective practices, the speakers will share concrete perspectives on the transmission of knowledge, the transformation of materials, local production, and new forms of dialogue between cultures and generations.
Thursday:
- 6:30 PM to 7:10 PM: Ariane Heystraeten — The Linen Project Belgium
- 7:15 PM to 7:55 PM: Benoît Stéphenne — Ateliers Tournaisiens de Tapisserie
Friday:
- 6:00 PM to 7:10 PM: Véronique Closon — Duos en résonances
- 7:00 PM to 7:55 PM: Miki Tatsuro — Miki Tatsuro Architects
Ariane Heystraeten is a textile designer and head of creative and innovation projects at the Texture Museum in Kortrijk. She explores the properties of natural fibers and dye plants that she harvests or grows herself. Her career path led her from Manoeuvre to Mark Manders’ studio, where she developed an approach deeply rooted in craftsmanship and collaborative work.
Benoît Stéphenne directs the Ateliers Tournaisiens de Tapisserie at CRECIT, where he oversees contemporary creation as well as the conservation and restoration of heritage textiles. Leading a team of weavers who carry on ancestral techniques, he works to foster a dialogue between tradition and innovation in the textile arts.
Véronique Closon is an art historian and archaeologist specializing in museology and heritage interpretation. Since 2017, she has been developing Duos en Résonances. This program fosters collaborations between artisans and designers, highlighting the richness of artisanal practices and their potential for innovation.
Miki Tatsuro is an architect based between Japan and Europe, where he has developed a practice focused on natural materials, artisanal craftsmanship, and local contexts. His work highlights how traditional techniques can inform more sensitive and sustainable contemporary approaches.
Reservations required via info@knotto.world