ARACNE Project

ARACNE project (2023-2026) focuses on the cultural heritage of the European silk production and its preservation, protection and valorisation; it aims at reinvigorating traditional skills through the adaptive reuse of the common cultural and artistic legacy and at shaping a silk-linked European cultural identity.

The production and the past and present development of the silk sector can be again the common basis for a future European Silk Route intended as a cultural itinerary across Europe.

ARACNE aims to:

• Bring back silk production in vogue by reconstructing a resilient and innovative silk ecosystem that retraces the concerned European countries and promotes traditions, architecture, and both tangible and intangible heritages. The consolidation of a European Silk Route will encourage links and shared activities among European cities and regions to strengthen the preservation and protection of their culture and promote innovations in production and trade; 

• Contribute to improve skills and competitiveness of silk-related European Cultural and Creative Industries through the renewal, co-development and the implementation of human- centered and place-specific silk-based cultural products, processes and service innovations, leveraging on digital applications and cutting-edge technologies, to foster the transition to more sustainable business models, and promote economic and social growth, and strengthen the reputation of European countries abroad. 


Project main activities and directions:

• Scientific research
• Educational programs in schools
• Support the local silk farmers
• Create tourist routes
• Fashion and creative industry development
• Creation of silk related innovative products.

The project has 11 partner organisations in 7 countries (Italy, Greece, Slovenia, Bulgaria, France, Spain, Georgia).

From Georgia the project partner is State Silk Museum carrying out different kinds of activities:

• In collaboration with the Agriculture University of Georgia coordinates sericulture research and practical work;
• The museum organizes school programs and educational activities with the involvement of invited historians and IT specialists;
• Creates silk-related virtual map of Tbilisi;
• Supports silk farmers and artisans through workshops and other thematic activities.

This project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Grant Agreement No 101095188