Switzerland Joins Liechtenstein, India, Netherlands, Italy, Denmark and Japan as TaDa Textile Residency Revives Eastern Swiss Creative Tourism Through Design Innovation and Cultural Exchange
Switzerland is strengthening its position as a leading destination for creative and cultural tourism through the expansion of the Textile and Design Alliance (TaDa) residency program. By bringing together designers and textile innovators from India, the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Japan, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, the initiative is transforming Eastern Switzerland into an international center where heritage, craftsmanship, sustainability, and modern design come together.
Located in the scenic lakeside town of Arbon, the TaDa residency offers selected artists and designers the opportunity to live and work within one of Europe’s most historically significant textile regions. Through direct collaboration with local textile manufacturers and access to production facilities, participants develop innovative projects while experiencing the cultural and industrial traditions that have shaped Switzerland’s textile identity.
As global tourism continues to evolve, travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing. Cultural immersion, creative engagement, and authentic local interaction are becoming major priorities for international visitors. The TaDa residency reflects this shift by creating opportunities for meaningful exchanges between designers, local communities, and regional industries.
Eastern Switzerland has long held a distinguished reputation in the global textile industry. During the early twentieth century, St. Gallen lace became internationally recognized for its quality and craftsmanship, making the region one of Europe’s most important textile centers. Although the sector faced economic challenges and changing global market conditions following World War I, Swiss textile companies adapted through innovation, specialized production, and a continued focus on premium quality.
Today, this rich textile legacy serves as a powerful foundation for tourism development. Through TaDa, visitors and creative professionals gain deeper access to the stories, processes, and craftsmanship behind the region’s historic textile industry while also witnessing how innovation is shaping its future.
Among the participating residents is Dutch designer Jos Klarenbeek, whose work blends mathematical precision with artistic exploration. Throughout the residency, Klarenbeek has focused on pleating techniques, woven structures, and experimental material applications. His creative process demonstrates how geometry and textile design can merge to create visually compelling works inspired by Eastern Switzerland’s industrial landscape and textile traditions.
Another featured participant is Indian textile designer Gauri Malhotra, who brings a diverse international background shaped by education and professional experience across India, Denmark, Japan, and Italy. Her practice explores embroidery, weaving, printed textiles, cultural identity, and sustainable design. Through the residency, she has been able to dedicate time to experimentation, reflection, and environmentally conscious innovation.
A defining strength of the TaDa initiative is its strong connection with regional textile businesses. Rather than functioning as an isolated artistic residency, the program integrates residents directly into the local manufacturing ecosystem. Participants gain access to technical expertise, machinery, and production knowledge that help transform conceptual ideas into real textile creations.
At the same time, local textile companies benefit from fresh international perspectives that encourage creativity and support continued innovation. This exchange strengthens Eastern Switzerland’s reputation as a global destination for premium textiles and contemporary design.
The residency culminates with the “Spinnerei” exhibition at Kunst Halle in St. Gallen, where participating artists showcase the projects developed during their stay. The exhibition offers visitors, industry professionals, and cultural tourists an opportunity to experience the results of international collaboration and witness how traditional textile knowledge can inspire contemporary artistic expression.
Beyond the exhibition itself, TaDa represents a broader tourism strategy centered on sustainability, heritage preservation, and experiential travel. The program encourages longer visitor stays, supports regional economic activity, and promotes lesser-known destinations across Eastern Switzerland.
As destinations worldwide compete for travelers seeking authentic experiences, initiatives such as TaDa demonstrate how cultural tourism can create lasting value. By connecting design innovation with textile heritage and international exchange, Switzerland continues to strengthen its global profile as a destination where creativity, tradition, and sustainable tourism move forward together.
Through the Textile and Design Alliance residency, Eastern Switzerland is not only preserving centuries of textile excellence but also creating a new model for cultural tourism—one where visitors become active participants in creativity, craftsmanship, and meaningful global collaboration.
