This is what it's all about.
At the end of September, two of my works will be exhibited at the international textile art festival World of Threads in Oakville, near Toronto. This represents an important opportunity to expand my professional network beyond Europe, connect with artists and curators from around the world, and increase the international visibility of my artistic practice. For this reason, I would like to attend the exhibition opening in person.
At the same time, my artistic duo partner, Karoline Pöhn, will be participating in a funded artist exchange programme in Montreal in October. I have the opportunity to stay at the same organisation for two weeks during this period, although I will need to cover the costs myself.
During my time in both Toronto and Montreal, I plan to introduce my participatory project Matriarchal Peace Stitching Club to museums, textile institutions, and community organisations. Through collective embroidery sessions, I aim to create spaces where women can come together to engage in dialogue, build solidarity, and stitch for peace while strengthening the visibility of women through a shared textile practice. These encounters also offer an opportunity to establish lasting international collaborations and to connect the project with Canadian communities and institutions.
Further information about the project can be found here: https://sites.google.com/selinagasser.com/matriarchal-peace-stitching/
My project is special because ...
The opportunity to broaden my horizons abroad through direct exchange with local artists is incredibly valuable and adds a deeper, more meaningful dimension to my artistic practice. As an artist, opportunities like this are rare. Following my transformative experience in Mexico, I hope to gain profound insights into the lived realities and textile traditions of Canada. I am convinced that these encounters and experiences will have a lasting influence on my work and further enrich its depth and relevance.
Because Karoline and I live in different countries (Linz and Basel), we rarely have the opportunity to work together in person. Spending time together in Canada would allow us to develop our collaborative practice in ways that are otherwise difficult to achieve and would be a significant step forward for our shared artistic projects.
This is your chance to acquire an original artwork at an unbeatable price!
Matriarchal Peace Stitching Club in Juni 2026 
unfinished business, No.2. Will be shown at World of Threads Festival. 
where have all the flowers gone, No.1 (Detail). Will be shown at World of Threads Festival.
This is what I need backing for.
The funds will be used to cover the following expenses:
Return flights between Switzerland and Canada Train travel between Toronto and Montreal Accommodation in Toronto A live-in studio at Fonderie Darling in Montreal, an internationally recognized contemporary art centre that supports artistic creation, production, and international exchange. Food and daily living expenses in Canada Travel insurance Art materials
Every contribution beyond the funding goal will help cover my ongoing living expenses in Switzerland, as I will not be able to generate any income during the three weeks I spend in Canada. Your support allows me to fully dedicate this time to artistic research, international exchange, and the development of new collaborations.