The multi-day workshop held from February 14-16, 2024 as a collaborative effort among Kristiania University College and Kristiania University College, the Art Academy of Latvia the Art Academu the Art Academy of Latvia under the Erasmus+ program, in collaboration with the International Library of Fashion Research ILFR, represents a significant educational and cultural initiative. This event brought together students and professors, including Vésma Kontere McQuillan and Erik Tannberg from Kristiania UC and Inguna Elere along with Holgers Elers from the Art Academy of Latvia, focusing on the conceptualisation and planning of exhibiting Italian fashion. The exhibition was to be based on the Italian collection of the ILFR, curated by Carolina Davalli.
Students had the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, gaining insights into the complexities of curating a fashion exhibition. This hands-on experience is invaluable for their academic and professional development.
The involvement of individuals from different fields (fashion design, curation, academia) and institutions (Kristiania, the Art Academy of Latvia, ILFR) highlights the interdisciplinary nature of such projects. This collaboration can lead to innovative approaches and fresh perspectives on how to present and interpret fashion collections.
For both students and professors, the workshop offered a platform to develop a range of skills, from critical thinking and creative conceptualisation to project management and teamwork. These skills are transferable and beneficial in various academic and professional contexts.
This initiative brought together a diverse group of students, professors, and professionals leveraging the rich tapestry of Italian fashion to explore and celebrate how fashion intersects with cultural identity and diversity. Through this immersive experience, participants were encouraged to critically engage with the narratives of fashion, recognizing its power to both reflect and shape societal values related to DEI. The workshop exemplified how educational collaborations can foster a deeper understanding of cultural diversity, challenge existing paradigms, and inspire a commitment to inclusivity and equity in exhibition making and beyond.
