The Linen Project

The Linen Project, initiated by ArtEZ MA Practice Held in Common and Crafts Council Nederland in 2018, explores and revitalizes the economic viability of small-scale local flax cultivation and linen production in the Netherlands.

The various activities are developed with an eye towards their broader relevance. By engaging in all stages of flax cultivation and linen production through the principle of learning by doing, The Linen Project creates a dynamic research and production environment that unites and highlights the value of our natural, social and cultural resources.

Explore the activities of The Linen Project at thelinenproject.online

The Linen Project aims to restore the economy as a social, ecological, and cultural domain to establish new ecosystems. We base this on the concept of commoning—collectively caring for those things that contribute to our common welfare. The activities focus on participation and reciprocity.

The Linen Project activates and connects heritage, education, agriculture, design, craftsmanship and economy. By fostering a growing awareness of these interdependencies, it stimulates the exchange of various values, knowledge and skills, generating new insights for all involved. This enables The Linen Project to grow.

The activities of The Linen Project so far include the cultivation and production of organic flax and linen in Gelderland, the Shared Stewardship initiative, the development of a consortium around a small-scale flax spinning mill and facilitating open-source knowledge exchange to create a community-supported foundation for a local linen economy.