Switzerland Joins Liechtenstein, India, Netherlands, Italy, Denmark and Japan as TaDa Textile Residency Revives Eastern Swiss Creative Tourism Through Design Innovation and Cultural Exchange: New Report

Switzerland is reinforcing its position as a leading destination for creative and cultural tourism by expanding international collaboration through the TaDa (Textile and Design Alliance) residency program. Bringing together designers from India, the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Japan, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, the initiative transforms Eastern Switzerland into a global hub where heritage textiles, innovation, craftsmanship, and sustainable design converge. Located in the lakeside town of Arbon, the residency gives artists the opportunity to work alongside regional textile manufacturers while immersing themselves in one of Europe’s most historically significant textile regions. The program highlights how tourism can extend beyond sightseeing into meaningful cultural experiences that connect travelers with local industries, traditions, and communities.

As experiential travel continues to reshape visitor expectations, TaDa demonstrates how destinations can leverage cultural assets to attract creative professionals and design enthusiasts. Through collaborations with textile companies, exhibitions, workshops, and artistic experimentation, participants produce new works inspired by Eastern Switzerland’s renowned textile legacy. The residency also supports regional tourism by encouraging longer stays, fostering international exchange, and promoting destinations such as St. Gallen, Arbon, and the surrounding cantons. The initiative showcases Switzerland’s evolving tourism strategy, where creativity, sustainability, craftsmanship, and heritage combine to deliver authentic visitor experiences while strengthening the region’s global cultural reputation.

TaDa Residency Positions Eastern Switzerland as a Creative Tourism Destination

Feature	Details
Program	Textile and Design Alliance (TaDa)
Location	Arbon, Eastern Switzerland
Duration	Three-month international residency
Participants	Six designers annually
Focus	Textile innovation, collaboration and cultural exchange
Partners	Regional textile companies and cultural institutions

The Textile and Design Alliance has emerged as one of Switzerland’s most distinctive cultural residency initiatives. Supported by the cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, St. Gallen, Thurgau and the Principality of Liechtenstein, the program invites designers from around the world to live and work in Arbon while collaborating with local textile manufacturers. The initiative promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging international creatives to experience the region’s industrial heritage while contributing fresh ideas to Switzerland’s modern textile sector.

Eastern Switzerland Celebrates a Rich Textile Legacy

Historic Strength	Modern Evolution
St. Gallen lace exports	Advanced textile innovation
Traditional craftsmanship	Sustainable manufacturing
Historic weaving techniques	International design partnerships
Textile production heritage	Creative tourism experiences

Eastern Switzerland has long been recognized for its textile excellence. During the early twentieth century, St. Gallen lace became one of Europe’s most celebrated exports. Although global market changes challenged the industry after World War I, regional companies successfully reinvented themselves through quality production, technological innovation and specialized craftsmanship. Today, the same heritage provides a foundation for attracting visitors interested in design, fashion, architecture and industrial history.

International Designers Bring Global Perspectives to Switzerland

Designer	Country Connection	Creative Focus
Jos Klarenbeek	Netherlands	Mathematics, material experimentation and textile structures
Gauri Malhotra	India, Italy	Embroidery, weaving, printmaking and sustainable textile design

Dutch designer Jos Klarenbeek combines mathematical precision with artistic craftsmanship, exploring pleating, woven structures and material experimentation throughout his residency. His work reflects how geometry and textile design can merge to create visually dynamic installations inspired by the landscapes and industrial traditions of Eastern Switzerland.

Indian textile designer Gauri Malhotra contributes an international perspective shaped by studies in India, Denmark and Japan and professional experience in Italy’s luxury fashion sector. Her work explores embroidery, weaving and printed textiles while examining cultural identity, craftsmanship and sustainability. The residency has provided her with valuable time for experimentation, creative reflection and the development of environmentally conscious design practices.

Collaboration With Local Textile Companies Drives Innovation

Residency Benefits	Industry Benefits
Studio facilities	Fresh design concepts
Travel and accommodation support	International creative collaboration
Access to textile manufacturers	Product innovation
Expert mentorship	Global cultural visibility

A defining feature of TaDa is its close collaboration with regional textile businesses. Residents gain access to production facilities, technical expertise and manufacturing resources that allow experimental concepts to become tangible works. Companies, in turn, benefit from fresh international perspectives that encourage innovation while strengthening Eastern Switzerland’s reputation as a global center for premium textiles.

Exhibition Highlights the Residency Experience

The residency concludes with the “Spinnerei” exhibition at Kunst Halle in St. Gallen, where participating artists present projects developed during their stay. The exhibition allows visitors, industry professionals and cultural tourists to experience the creative outcomes of international collaboration while reinforcing Switzerland’s growing appeal as a destination for art, design and experiential travel.

Why TaDa Supports Experiential Tourism Growth

Creative travelers increasingly seek authentic experiences that extend beyond traditional attractions. TaDa offers direct engagement with local craftsmanship, industrial heritage and contemporary design, making Eastern Switzerland attractive to visitors interested in culture, sustainability and innovation. By connecting artists, manufacturers and communities, the program strengthens regional tourism while preserving centuries-old textile traditions for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the TaDa residency program?
TaDa is the Textile and Design Alliance, an international residency connecting designers with textile companies in Eastern Switzerland.

2. Where is the residency located?
The program is based in Arbon in Eastern Switzerland.

3. How long does the residency last?
Each residency runs for approximately three months.

4. Which countries are represented in the current residency?
Participants have connections with Switzerland, India, the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Japan and Liechtenstein.

5. What is the main objective of TaDa?
The program encourages collaboration between international designers and regional textile manufacturers while promoting innovation and cultural exchange.

6. Why is Eastern Switzerland important for textiles?
The region has a centuries-old textile tradition, particularly famous for St. Gallen lace and high-quality textile manufacturing.

7. Who are the featured designers?
Current residents include Dutch designer Jos Klarenbeek and Indian textile designer Gauri Malhotra.

8. How does TaDa benefit tourism?
It attracts creative professionals, promotes cultural experiences and encourages longer visitor stays focused on heritage and design.

9. What happens after the residency?
Artists present their completed projects during the Spinnerei exhibition in St. Gallen.

10. Why is the residency significant for sustainable design?
It encourages experimentation with responsible materials, traditional craftsmanship and innovative production methods while supporting sustainable creative practices.