Open Call: Professional Development in Education on Sustainable Fashion

Do you already have experience leading workshops on sustainability in apparel and fashion and want to deepen your knowledge? Do you work in the textile arts, fashion design, or a related field and want to support Kostümkollektiv in its educational work? Then this open call is just right for you!

What to Expect:

  • Professional development and the revision or development of workshop formats

Your Task:

  • The workshop format you develop must be made available to Kostümkollektiv e.V. in written and visual form for use in its educational work
  • Sharing what you’ve learned as an advocate
  • You’re somewhat flexible and have a total of about 30 hours available for this (some fixed dates) from September 2026 through the end of January 2026

Further information (in German): here
Application deadline: Apply by Tuesday, September 8, at the latest, via email to Muriel: projekte@kostuemkollektiv.de

Designing Sets and Costumes Sustainably – Strategies, Partners, Networks

Workshop with Tour of the Stock of Materials 
With Muriel Nestler (set and costume designer, initiator of Kostümkollektiv e.V., part of the Material Infrastructure Work Group)

Do you design sets and costumes or work with installations and want to conduct your work in an ecologically responsible way? Do you want to learn how to plan the different phases of your work, from the first draft to the realization to the follow-up, sustainably? Have you asked yourself where materials can be processed in a way that conserves resources and where you can find and recycle materials effectively and economically?

This workshop has been planned as a tour of the stock of materials and is intended for set and costume designers and those who work with installations that want to become acquainted with and expand their options for climate-friendly production. Following an overview of the most effective techniques, networks and orientation tools for resource-friendly production, we will visit three central partners for sustainable practice: Kostümkollektiv, Kunst-Stoffe and the Haus der Materialverwertung. There, we will receive an introduction to ways to use the material markets, stocks of materials and workshops there and learn about their sustainability concepts. Each stop of the tour also features a work module where recommendations are given that can be put to use immediately: Using their own project ideas or a sample project, the participants conduct a planning and development process using the materials, knowledge and tools on-site and jointly collect strategies for conducting their work more sustainably. Further information will also be provided for productions outside of Berlin as well as other questions about sustainable procurement.

The workshop takes place at different locations in Kreuzberg, Mitte and Pankow. Participants can travel together using public transportation or individual by bicycle or other means of transportation. Participants must pay the costs for public transportation themselves. A lunch break is planned during the journey between Kreuzberg and Mitte.

In German spoken language, it is possible to ask questions and make comments in English spoken language

When: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: The starting point will be announced after registration
Registration by September 23, 2026: beratung@pap-berlin.de

Exhibition Opening: “Fast Fashion and How Can We Do Better?”

Responsible fashion—and plenty of inspiration
Are you interested in sustainable topics like how fashion and costume design can be made fairer and more environmentally friendly? Would you like to know how we share expertise and foster creative engagement in our educational project? Then we cordially invite you to the opening of our exhibition.
What to expect:

  • Insights into the world of fast fashion: Learn about the impact the textile industry has on the environment and society—and why every purchase is a choice.
  • Creative solutions and activities: Discover upcycling ideas that turn old things into something new and engage with the facts in a playful way.
  • Inspiration for everyday life: Learn about sustainable alternatives that are not only good  for the environment but also provide ideas for your own  educational work.
  • Unique exhibits: The clothing installation vividly demonstrates how valuable creations emerge from seemingly worthless materials.

Why this topic matters: The textile industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters. But there are alternatives—and you can be part of this change. This exhibition shows how fashion can be not only consumed but also actively shaped.
We look forward to exchanging ideas and having conversations while crafting together!
When: Opening: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 4–8 p.m. | Open: June 4 – July 1, 2026 | Tuesdays + Wednesdays from 4–5 p.m. (possibly a little longer), Thursdays from 6–7 p.m. 
Where: Showroom at the Weinmeisterhaus – Jugendkulturzentrum Mitte, Weinmeisterstr. 15, 10178 Berlin (see map)
A collaboration between Kostümkollektiv e.V. and the Weinmeisterhaus Youth Cultural Center. Sponsored by the Mitte District Office of Berlin, Environmental Department.

Workshop: RETIE – Creative bottle holders made from ties

With Barbara Beit, Fashion Designer
In this workshop, old ties are transformed into practical bottle holders or small bags. The basic ideas of upcycling are conveyed and simple sewing and knotting techniques are used to create individual, unique pieces that are suitable for everyday use. The workshop is designed as an open drop-in format; registration is not necessary. Materials and tools will be provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own ties to use. Participation is free, though donations are welcome. The workshop takes place as part of the KO-Markt at the Haus der Statistik.
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 2–5 p.m.
Where: Textile Workshop/KoWerk in OTTO

Workshop: Ironing is underestimated – basic knowledge and tricks

With Agnes Waedt, seamstress and master of home economics
Temperature, humidity, and the right techniques – it’s not rocket science! Clothes often only reveal their character after ironing, and this is the only way to get them into shape. Master of home economics Agnes Waedt shows what is important and teaches the basics and the most important tricks. She will answer individual questions; please bring an example garment with you to receive specific advice. The workshop will be held in German.
When: Friday, May 8, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Headquarters and Stock of Costumes at Kunstquartier Bethanien
Solidarity-based cost sharing according to self-assessment per person: €15 / €20 / €30
Registration by May 6 via email and advance payment: fetzenundflicken@kostuemkollektiv.de