A group of MYP students from our school visited the Hand it Down exhibition at Manak’s House, where they had the opportunity to explore textile as an artistic, cultural, and social phenomenon. The fifth and anniversary edition of the exhibition reaffirmed its significance as a long-term platform for research, education, and dialogue in the field of textile art.

During the visit, students developed their research skills through observation and interpretation of artworks, communication skills through the exchange of ideas and discussion, and critical thinking through the analysis of the relationship between tradition and contemporary expression. Engaging with the works on display, they came to recognise textile not merely as a material object, but as a medium that carries identity, knowledge, and cultural patterns.

The students were Inquirers, exploring meanings and techniques, Open-minded, engaging with diverse interpretations, and Thinkers, connecting what they had learned to a contemporary context. Their active participation and exchange of impressions contributed to a deeper understanding of textile as a “slow medium” and the importance of preserving and reinterpreting cultural heritage.

This educational visit further strengthened interdisciplinary learning and inspired students to continue the dialogue between tradition and contemporary expression through their own projects.