The conference ‘Ways of Caring – Practicing Solidarity’ explores how to practice solidarity in fashion. In response to the Covid-19 outbreak, we’ve heard many calls for solidarity, a more solidary fashion industry and more solidary practices of making and wearing. Curious fashion professionals and creative practitioners from around the world are invited to join a 48-hour hybrid conference to develop deeper knowledge on the topic – beyond the boundaries of the fashion discipline. Through interactive presentations, talks, lectures, demonstrations and workshops you will tune in with relevant thinkers, create with inspiring makers, and interact with like-minded fashion practitioners. Together, we will work towards a more solidary fashion system.

The conference will kick off on June 30 with an inspiring online program curated by 10 fashion platforms and collectives from around the globe. Participants include Sueli Maxakali and Paula Berbert, Rio Ethical Fashion from Brazil, Fashion Revolution, the Union of Concerned Researchers in Fashion, Ricarda Bigolin and Chantal Kirby from Australia, Bhaavya Goenka from India, Fashion Act Now, Amy Twigger Holroyd, House of Re-Fashion and the Research Collective for Decoloniality & Fashion. On July 1st, the conference continues live in Arnhem with demonstrations, lectures, workshops and discussions by critical fashion practitioners including Anna Piroshka Tóth, Louise Croff Blake, CAULFIELD-SRIKLAD, Chepkemboi Mang’ira, Ben Barry, TOTON, Schepers Bosman, Patchwork Family, Kate Fletcher & Anna Fitzpatrick, Katherine May, Z O M E R K A M P, Mila Burcikova & Monica Buchan-Ng, amongst many others.

The conference is organized by the ArtEZ fashion professorship and State of Fashion, in collaboration with ArtEZ BA Fashion Design, MA Critical Fashion Practices and Fashion Revolution. Supported by Gemeente Arnhem.