Since 2023
ARTTEN FOUNDATION
In a world marked by rising violence and deepening divisions, the Artten Foundation stands as a beacon of hope, bringing people together through the power of art and craft. We harness creativity as a tool to resist despair, heal wounds, and rebuild broken connections. Every stitch, every creation, is an act of care – a commitment to crafting a more resilient and united future. Through collective expression, we offer hope, foster healing, and inspire positive change.
Collective Weaving for Peace
Gul&Blå:
Hela Sverige Flätar
Over 8,000 participants have taken part in the collective weaving of a 6 x 3 meter Swedish flag, side by side with Ukrainian refugees. Originally initiated to unite two nations during the centennial celebration of Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset) in 2023, the project has since grown into a powerful symbol of integration. The weaving workshops have taken place across Sweden and have been documented in a Master’s thesis at Uppsala University (2025), as well as in the documentary Weaving by Hsuan Yu Pan (New York, USA).
85+
Workshops across Sweden
1000+
Hours of Creativity
10mln +
People's hopes and aspirations
55+
Meters of recycled textiles are utilized
MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOW
Choose Donation Package
Hope
Contribute 100 SEK
Can provide 250 grams of yarn for Ukrainian mothers to knit two pairs of socks for soldiers.
Optimism
Contribute 450 SEK
Can provide knitting kits for five women, enabling them to cope with the trauma of war and loneliness through crafts.
Book workshop for your Employees 350 SEK/pers
Roses of Ties
This workshop combines creativity and storytelling to bring teams closer. Employees share personal stories behind ties and transform them into roses to wear close to the heart. It’s a hands-on, accessible activity that fosters empathy, connection, and a deeper understanding of one another—no crafting skills required.
Donate Old Ties
We need more Roses
Knitting, weaving, and traditional crafts are vital sources of well-being, especially for women affected by war and displacement. Our workshops are offered free of charge, creating safe spaces for healing, connection, and learning. Your support directly funds materials, safe spaces, and learning sessions - turning craft into healing, and community into resilience.
Ludmila Christeseva is an accomplished artist and curator, recognized for her commitment to amplifying female voices in the arts through various international projects.
With the onset of the war in Ukraine, Christeseva took the lead in organizing public textile workshops focused on the production of camouflage nets. Her noble aim was to contribute to saving lives in Ukraine. During this period, she formed an art collective named “Crafts that Unite, Heal, and Last,” consisting of Ukrainian refugee mothers and children who wove for peace.
In acknowledgment of her significant societal impact, bringing hope and optimism to those who lost families and homes, Ludmila Christeseva was nominated for the Nelson Mandela Prize. She achieved further acclaim by winning the prestigious Impact of the Year 2023 award from IHM Impact Awards, solidifying her dedication to making a positive change through her artistic initiatives.
Global Sisterhood
Committed To Empowering Women
Weaving and various crafts have historically not been viable sources of income for women across different generations and cultures. At Artten Foundation, we actively delve into the realms of fashion, crafts, and sustainability, aiming to foster sustainable sisterly relationships and empower women from diverse cultural disciplines. Our projects are thoughtfully designed as collaborative efforts among women, creating a powerful and supportive community of artists and creators.
Democracy and Gender Equality
We tackle patterns of exclusion, structural barriers, and unequal power relations. Our approach involves unique strategies to empower women and youths on a global scale. Through education, collaboration, and exhibitions, we aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive society.
- Unique curatorial strategies
- Networking and collaboration
- Education and coaching
- Sustainability
Weaving Global Impact: Patterns of Empowerment, Solidarity, and Peace
Weaving projects
Turkey-Belarus
The project united women from Belarus and Turkey.
Ukraine-Greece-USA
Presentation of "Light Saves Lives" during Stockholm Design Week.
Belarus-Turkey-France
Women across borders and restrictions crochet for peace.
USA-Norway-Ukraine
The textile workshop at Oslo Freedom Forum.
Ukraine-Sweden
Flash Mob at Modern Art Museum in Stockholm for Museums' Night.
Ukraine-Sweden
Ukrainian and Swedish children painted a body of works for peace.
Made in Solidarity and Compassion
Suzani for Peace
The “Suzani for Peace” project amplifies women’s voices for peace through various artistic expressions. Women globally have joined the project, contributing their unique granny square designs to create a unified artwork titled “Solidarity.”
Turkey
Turkish women are actively engaged in Suzani for Peace project.
United States
Documentary Film Production with female directors.
Belarus
Curatorial strategies to bring visibility to Belarusian female artists.