From 14 October 2025 to 17 January 2026, the work of artist Rosa Smits is on view in the Museum Café of Museum Het Schip.
Rosa Smits is a textile and participatory artist based in Amsterdam. She is fascinated by the social, tactile and procedural nature of weaving. Inspired by communities living in harmony with one another and their surroundings, her work explores the fundamental question of how we can live and work together. Rosa expands her creative vision by involving local residents in the shared process of weaving tapestries, which unfolds into a new collective language. This collaborative approach strengthens social and tactile bonds, bringing together people from a wide range of cultural, socioeconomic and professional backgrounds. Her projects have created contemporary collectives in rural areas, from working with Amazigh women in Morocco to engaging her neighbours in the outskirts of Amsterdam.
Collective Weaving Manifesto
"Participatory art is an art form that directly involves the public in the creative process, turning them into participants in the event. My participatory art practice celebrates the connective power of weaving together by inviting people to actively join my weaving process with their hands, voices and creativity. In an era defined by screens and mass production, I want to remind people of the beauty of handmade craftsmanship and the deep satisfaction that comes from making and co-creating.
Weaving is a slow and repetitive process that encourages connection, reflection and a deeper awareness of touch. It invites us to ‘work’ a little more slowly and to be fully present. The act of weaving together creates ample space for listening—because our hands are busy with threads—and for sharing: many participants delve into their memories to find a story that connects them to the craft, which for many is newly discovered.
As conversations unfold and threads intertwine, a new collective fabric takes shape. This process can be seen as community art or as a tangible map that reflects a unique place and the network of people, tools, sounds, cups of tea, the stories shared along the way, and so much more."
Collective Weaving Sessions
Collective weaving with textile artist Rosa Smits (free)
16 November 2025 13:00 – 17:00
Have you always wanted to contribute to a communal artwork? Join this weaving session with textile artist Rosa Smits!
Collective weaving with textile artist Rosa Smits (free)
30 November 2025 13:00 – 17:00
Have you always wanted to contribute to a communal artwork? Join this weaving session with textile artist Rosa Smits!
Collective weaving with textile artist Rosa Smits (free)
14 December 2025 13:00 – 17:00
Have you always wanted to contribute to a communal artwork? Join this weaving session with textile artist Rosa Smits!
