Visiting Lottozero for four days as part of the hubs alliance program was an opportunity I had been looking forward to for months. I was following Lottozero’s initiatives for a long time and I wanted to experience their approach to textile innovation and community engagement. My passion for embroidery has always been rooted in tradition, but I was eager to see how this craft could be reimagined in a contemporary context. From the moment I arrived in Prato, I was welcomed warmly by Tessa and Arianna Moroder, who introduced me to the space and their work. Their enthusiasm and generosity made me feel immediately at home!
My main goals when I applied for the hubs alliance program were:
– Learn about Lottozero’s residency and workshop models to see how they engage with artists and the public
– Observe and participate in textile-based workshops, with a focus on embroidery and contemporary applications
– Discuss the business and funding aspects of running an independent textile hub
– Exchange knowledge on traditional embroidery techniques and how they can be integrated into modern textile design
On my second evening, I was lucky to attend a small but lively event at Lottozero’s space. It was a textile-focused networking night, where local artists, designers, and former residents gathered to share their work. I had the chance to speak with artists experimenting with textiles in unique and sustainable ways, from interactive fabric installations to upcycled embroidery pieces incorporating digital prints. That evening, we also had an impromptu embroidery session, where I shared some traditional techniques I had learned back home, while others introduced me to more experimental approaches. Throughout my stay, I shadowed one of Lottozero’s workshops and saw firsthand how they balance practical skills, creative exploration, and community-building, making workshops not just technical lessons, but collaborative experiences.
The team treated me not as a visitor, but as part of their creative family, always open to discussions about craft, art, and the realities of running a space like this. I left feeling incredibly inspired, not just by what I learned, but by the people who make Lottozero the vibrant hub that it is.
