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September 18–20, 2026
September 18–20, 2026
September 18–20, 2026
We welcome you to join us at Western University’s Don Wright Faculty of Music in London, Ontario for Music, Craft, and the Fibre Arts: Textures in Conversation.
This 3-day interdisciplinary festival-symposium will bring together musicians, fibre artists, crafters and scholars to share knowledge and discuss the connection between these artistic fields.
It will feature musical performances, an art exhibit, community crafting and 3 days of academic presentations.
The event is free and open to everyone.
Paula Matthusen, bobbin lace (right)
Olivia Valentine, electronics (left)
Registration
Although attendance is free, pre-registration is encouraged by Tuesday, Sept. 8 so we can properly prepare for the event. Late registrations and walk-ins are welcome. Registration is requested for the festival-symposium, but is not required in order to attend individual performance events.
To register for the festival-symposium, click the button below. Note that you will not receive a confirmation email. You may pick up your badge during the symposium in the lobby of the Music Building
Visitor Information
Events will happen in two buildings on Western’s campus: the Music Building and the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre. The Music Building is on Lambton Drive, to the left after crossing University Bridge onto campus from Richmond Street. The John Labatt Visual Arts Centre is a short walk away, on Perth Drive—to the right across the bridge.
Western University is on its own campus, in the north of the city of London, Ontario.
Campus maps will be available at our registration desk in the lobby of the Music Building.
For complete location information and directions, see the Maps, Directions & Parking page.
- The Guest House on the Mount is close to Western, a 17 minute walk, and close to bus routes. All rooms have comfortable beds and a semi-private balcony. Some rooms have private bathrooms; some are shared. Rates from $90-165 CAD.
- DoubleTree by Hilton is situated in Downtown London. It is close to bus routes and is three blocks away from Via Rail. Rates from $136 CAD.
- The Spencer Hotel and Conference Centre is a 22 minute walk to Western. It has complimentary parking and attached dining. Upper floors are only accessible by stairs (historic building). Rates from $152 CAD.
- Delta Hotels is situated in Downtown London and is close to bus routes. Rates from $237 CAD.
For more information visit Tourism London.
Driving
London is nestled in the heart of Southwestern Ontario: a two hour drive from Toronto, two hours from the Windsor-Detroit border, and two hours from the Niagara Falls border.
Air
London:London International Airport (YXU) is located at the east edge of the city.
Toronto/Detroit: If you are flying into Toronto or Detroit, Robert Q Airbus provides transportation to London and they will deliver passengers to hotels or residences.
Bus
Several out-of-town bus services have direct stops on Western's campus (including FlixBus and Megabus).
Train
The Via Rail station is in downtown London, near the corner of York and Richmond Streets. Note that there are no international trains.
Local Bus Transportation
London Transit has bus routes from downtown London to Western and to most hotels. Some bus routes are accessible and this is clearly marked on the schedule. The two major bus routes to Western (2 Dundas and 6 Richmond) are both fully accessible.
International Visitors
US Citizens crossing into Canada: don’t forget your passports!
Foreign nationals (and non-US citizens) should be aware that they may need a visa to visit Canada. Most visa-exempt foreign nationals will need to complete an electronic travel authorization before they travel. It will also be helpful to print a copy of your conference acceptance to the conference when traveling.
Additional information is available on the the Maps, Directions & Parking page
Light refreshments will be offered in the mornings and afternoons during the symposium. A reception will be held in Cohen Commons in the Visual Arts building on Friday at 5:30pm.
On-campus dining
There are a number of on-campus eateries that will be open during the event. Maps to find these locations will be available at the registration desk:
- University Community Center (UCC)
The UCC has some fast-food and fresh options in their cafeteria, plus both a Starbucks and a Tim Hortons. The UCC also features two restaurants: The Spoke (first floor) and The Wave (second floor). The UCC is a 10-minute walk from Music and Visual Arts. Only Starbucks and Tim Hortons are open on weekends. - Einstein's Café (Natural Science Centre)
Gourmet sandwiches, desserts, and coffee. A 15-minute walk from Music and Visual Arts. Einstein's is open on weekends. - The Grad Club
A pub and eatery owned and operated by the Society of Graduate Students. Located in the basement of Middlesex College, a 5-minute walk from both Music and Visual Arts. N.B: Not open on weekends.
Off-campus
- CF Masonville Place is a shopping mall that is a 20-minute walk away from Western. It has a food court as well as The Keg.
In addition, a number of fine restaurants and pubs can be found along Richmond St. in downtown London. While there are many more to be found, here is a selection:
- La Cucina Ristorante for Italian food
- Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill and Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill for casual dining
- The Mule for allergy-friendly, vegetarian/vegan friendly, trendy Mexican fare
- The Tasting Room for upscale dining
- Dimis Greek House for tasty Greek food and a lively ambiance
- Dos Tacos for a quicker bite
- The Church Key Bistro-Pub for a friendly upscale pub experience
For more information visit Tourism London.
Organizers
Emily Abrams Ansari, Associate Professor of Music, Western University
Alyssa Cottle, Postdoctoral Fellow in Music, Western University
Jeremy Francoeur, PhD student, Western University
Tricia Johnson, Assistant Professor, Visual Arts, Western University
Sheri Nault, Assistant Professor, Visual Arts, Western University
Kristen Wallentinsen, Assistant Professor of Music Theory, Rutgers University
Funding
Support and funding generously provided by:
The Don Wright Faculty of Music
The Department of Visual Arts
The Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Western Research
The Moscovich Fund for Innovation in Music
Thanks
The organizers wish to thank:
Rachel Condie, Graham Cherwaty, Rachel Dieterding, Chantal Lemire, Brian McMillan, Natalie Miller, James Reaney, Tasman Tantasawat, and all our volunteers.
Contact
Alyssa Cottle
Postdoctoral Fellow
Don Wright Faculty of Music
Western University
acottle2@uwo.ca