17/06/2026
A Letter to the International Art Textile Biennale Community
Dear Friends,
There are some letters that are difficult to write, and this is one of them.
After much thought and with considerable sadness, I have made the decision to bring the International Art Textile Biennale to a close. From this year onward, the exhibition will no longer continue.
Over the past seven years, the Biennale has grown into something far greater than I could ever have imagined. It has become a meeting place for artists from around the world, united by a shared language of cloth, thread, stitch and creative expression.
Together, we have celebrated diverse voices, honoured cultural traditions, encouraged contemporary practice and created connections that have transcended geographical boundaries. Every work submitted has carried with it a story, a history and a generosity of spirit, and I have felt privileged to witness and share these with audiences both locally and internationally.
This decision has not come easily. There comes a time when one has to acknowledge that, despite the deep love and commitment that has sustained a project for many years, it is no longer possible to carry it alone.
The International Art Textile Biennale has always been built on passion, generosity and an unwavering belief in the importance of textile art. However, increasing financial pressures, together with the immense workload involved in presenting an international exhibition of this scale, have brought me to the difficult realisation that I can no longer carry this responsibility by myself.
Behind every exhibition has been countless hours of planning, correspondence, fundraising, administration, installation and the many unseen tasks required to nurture and sustain a project of this scope. While much of this work is invisible, it has always been undertaken with a deep commitment to supporting and celebrating textile artists and their practices.
Most importantly, I want to thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your work, for sending your creations across oceans and borders, and for contributing to a truly unique international conversation through textile art.
Although this chapter is ending, I believe the legacy of the International Art Textile Biennale will live on in the relationships that were formed, the conversations that were started and the inspiration that was shared among artists and audiences alike.
I choose to think of this not as a farewell, but as the completion of an important and beautiful chapter.
To the Artists that have been with each Biennale… Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey.
It has been an honour.
With heartfelt gratitude and warmest wishes,
Glenys Mann
Founder, Curator and Director
International Art Textile Biennale
CEO Fibre Arts Australia
