The XIII UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES CONFERENCE took place from June 10^th to June 15^th in Fabriano, Italy. During the Meeting, the International Traditional Knowledge Institute – Chapter US with San Cristobal de Las Casas, Creative City of Crafts & Folk Art, and Como, candidate of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, held a conference on the subject “Creative Textile” in the Crafts & Folk Art Pavillon on June 12^th.

The project was presented by Mrs. Alethia Diaz Vazquez, focal point of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Mexico and by Mr. Stefano Vitali, President of “Como e Seta” Committee.

The project has the main purpose of strengthening the collaboration of cities involved in the “Silk Road” and Different clusters of UCCN. The project will take place thanks to the exchange of resources and creative events, carried out by the textile’s knowledge keepers. The project is also aimed at promoting inclusivity and overcoming gender, ethnic and social’s barriers. This project is an opportunity for textile knowledge keepers to collaborate and exchange knowledge and thus contribute to the professional development of a new group of global and creative experts.

During the conference, the first results of this cross-pollination project were presented: the city of Como sent several pieces of silk to San Cristóbal de Las Casas. This silk was worked by the artisans of the Mexican city according to ancient techniques. San Cristobal also sent Como’s designers, traditional Maya’s patterns that were typically embroidered on traditional Mexican clothes. The designs that were sent were revisited and innovated by Como’s designers.