Syrian-Palestinian artist Nour Shantout is coming to Prague as part of the final program of the Matter of Art 2026 Biennale to present a four-day program comprising a lecture and a three-day workshop on the traditional textile-embroidery technique. Participants will have the opportunity to learn Palestinian embroidery techniques known as “tatreez” and to explore the history of this deeply rooted artistic and craft tradition, through which memories, women’s experiences, migration histories, and cultural identity are preserved.

On Thursday, September 3, the artist will give a lecture on the history of Palestinian embroidery. From Friday, September 4, through Sunday, September 6, the practical part of the program will take place: a workshop focused on developing practical skills in textile embroidery. It is not necessary to attend the introductory lecture in order to participate in the workshop. The workshop is intended only for those who can attend all three days.

Palestinian embroidery transformed from a domestic practice used for personal purposes into a political tool and a way of counter-mapping Palestine after the 1948 Nakba. For instance, “intifada dresses” emerged a few months after the First Intifada (uprising) in 1987. They featured the Palestinian map along with the Palestinian flag, olive branches, and the Dove of Peace, in addition to traditional motifs and political slogans. Palestinian women embroidered these dresses and wore them during protests; they stitched the Palestinian flag and wore it when it was banned.

In this workshop, participants will learn about the history of Palestinian embroidery in relation to protest and to the anti-imperialist feminist movement in Palestine. Nour Shantout will also teach the cross-stitch technique. As part of this workshop, participants will create a collective piece.

The three-day workshop will take place in the Great Hall of the Trade Fair Palace and is open to everyone. Participation is free, but please confirm your attendance using the registration form below. The workshop program is structured across all three days, so it is not possible to attend for only one day.

Register here.