Ready to explore the art of textiles and costume? Join the Friends of Textiles and Costume today and enjoy exclusive events, insider access to the collections, and engaging conversations with fellow fabric and fashion lovers.
About
Step into the fascinating world of fabric, fashion, and cultural heritage with the Friends of Textiles and Costume at ROM. This vibrant community is a gathering place for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts who share a deep appreciation for the artistry and history of textiles and costume.
From ancient weavings to contemporary couture, members enjoy exclusive access to behind-the-scenes tours, expert-led lectures, hands-on workshops, and special exhibitions. Whether you're a seasoned expert or simply curious about the stories stitched into every garment, this group offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the rich legacy of textiles and costume.
Learn more about the Global Fashion & Textiles department here.
Our History
The Friends of Textiles and Costume (FTC) grew from a dedicated group of volunteers who began supporting the textile collections in 1975. What started as fundraising for acquisitions and library books evolved significantly over the decades.
In 1996, recognizing the need for proper exhibition space, our focus shifted to establishing a dedicated textile and costume gallery. Once achieved, we turned our efforts toward creating an endowment fund to sustain future exhibitions.
Formally established in 2006, the FTC Committee has enhanced public understanding and appreciation of global textile and costume collections through:
- Curated educational programs
- Expert-led special events
- Exclusive collection viewings
- Cultural storytelling through textiles
From our volunteer roots to today's vibrant community, we continue to champion these magnificent collections while preserving them for future generations.
Become part of this living legacy - your passion helps write our next chapter!
Our Initiatives
We play a pivotal role in protecting and enhancing the world-class Global Fashion & Textiles collections through strategic conservation and acquisition initiatives. Our members directly contribute to safeguarding these cultural treasures for future generations while expanding opportunities for research and discovery.
- Sustaining Exhibitions: Grow the Burnham Brett Endowment Fund to ensure exceptional textile exhibitions continue at ROM.
- Collection Growth: Fund the acquisition of historically significant textiles and fashions.
- Research Resources: Maintain and expand our specialized reference library through journal adoptions and new acquisitions.
- Collection Documentation: Support vital cataloging and professional photography to preserve collection knowledge.
Every contribution helps maintain ROM’s position as a leader in textile preservation and scholarship. Donate Online Today
We help transform ROM’s gallery spaces into dynamic platforms where textiles tell their rich cultural stories. Through funding, innovative educational programs, and community partnerships helping inspire and connect communities with global textile traditions.
- Exhibition Support: Through the Burnham Brett Fund, we’ve made possible groundbreaking exhibitions such as Swapnaa Tamhane: Mobile Palace (2022), Art, Honour and Ridicule: Asafo Flags (2016-2017), and Quilts: Made in Canada (2024)
- Flagship Gallery: Provide ongoing support for the Patricia Harris Gallery (currently hosting rotating exhibitions)
- Community Connections: Fund educational programs and tours that make exhibitions accessible to diverse audiences
We invest in the people behind the collections, from emerging professionals to seasoned experts.
- Academic Partnerships: Supporting graduate internships and fellowships that provide hands-on experience with the collections.
- Research Advancement: Underwriting visiting scholar residencies for in-depth collection study and innovative projects
Our educational programs illuminate the technical mastery and cultural significance behind every thread. We create opportunities for hands-on learning and intellectual exchange at all levels.
- Expert Insights: Hosting lectures featuring world-renowned textile historians, conservators, and artists. Curator conversations exploring current exhibitions and collection highlights.
- Hands-On Learning: Offering workshops in traditional techniques like natural dyeing, embroidery, and weaving, and family-friendly programs, including a recent popular quilting workshop during ROM March Break.
- Exclusive Collection Access: Behind-the-scenes viewings of rare textiles not on public display.
We foster meaningful connections between textile lovers, artisans, researchers, and cultural communities through engaging programs that celebrate shared passions. Our events create dynamic spaces for cross-cultural dialogue, creative exchange, and collaborative learning.
- Knowledge Sharing: Hosting seminars exploring textile traditions across cultures.
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: Exclusive studio tours showcasing traditional and innovative textile practices.
- Cultural Partnerships: Collaborative programs with cultural organizations and textile communities.
Become a Member
Join our vibrant community of art and culture enthusiasts! Membership directly supports the preservation and growth of the Global Fashion & Textiles department.
As a member, you’ll enjoy:
- Exclusive access to ROM exhibitions, including private curator-led tours.
- Invitations to members-only events, from gallery previews to cultural celebrations.
- Behind-the-scenes opportunities at the Global Fashion & Textiles department and storage vaults.
New members are always welcome!
Sponsor a Program
Make a lasting impact on East Asian art and culture through targeted giving:
- Research Fellowships and Grants to support scholars studying the Global Textiles & Costume collections.
- Acquisitions to help expand the museum’s world-class holdings.
- Exhibition Development, including funds to support groundbreaking displays of textiles and costume.
- Endow an Internship at ROM, investing in the next generation of textile professionals.
Use the link below to donate today. Please select Friends of Textiles and Costume under “Areas of Support”. Donations of $20.00 CAD or greater will receive a tax receipt.
MEDIA GALLERY
Related Projects
IARTS Textiles of India Grant
Veronika Gervers: Research Fellowship in Textiles & Fashion History
Cloth Cultures: Future Legacies of Dorothy K. Burnham
