As part of the exhibition “The Magic of the Pirot Kilim,” which was on display in the Belgrade Silosi during June and July, an accompanying educational and creative program was also realized in the form of tufting workshops, created in collaboration with the Belgrade brand Twenty Five Market. The workshops were dedicated to a contemporary approach to traditional wool processing, with a special focus on Pirot motifs and local heritage.
Workshop participants had the opportunity to get acquainted with the tufting technique—a contemporary process of making carpets using specialized tools—and through hands-on work create small rugs from 100% natural wool. Inspiration for the design came from the rich ornamentation of the Pirot kilim, establishing a direct dialogue between traditional craft and contemporary design.
The brand Twenty Five Market, led by its founder Mina Kaljević, is known for creating unique, handmade rugs that connect artistic expression, craft knowledge, and a sense of home. Their work is based on using high-quality local wool and the idea that each rug carries a personal signature and story, whether intended for a private or public space.
During the workshops at Silosi, tufting was presented not only as a design technique, but also as a process that encourages creativity, focus, and a direct relationship with the material. With expert guidance, participants went through all stages of the work—from the idea and sketching the motif, through working on the frame, to the final finishing of the rug.
The workshops naturally built on the theme of the exhibition itself, further highlighting the potential of wool as a material that connects past and present, handwork and contemporary production. As part of the accompanying program of the exhibition “The Magic of the Pirot Kilim,” these workshops offered visitors an experience of active participation and a personal encounter with living heritage, interpreted through a contemporary language of design.
