World of Tapestry: Honoring the Legacy of Professor Tamilla Mammadova

TOMA – An International Initiative for Contemporary Textile Art

The world of textile art is set to gain a significant new platform with the launch of TOMA, an international cultural initiative established in memory of the late Professor Tamilla Mammadova. Dedicated to the promotion and advancement of tapestry and textile art, TOMA seeks to revitalize this important artistic discipline within both national and international contemporary art discourse.

By bridging heritage and innovation, theory and practice, TOMA aims to position textile art as a dynamic and evolving medium that continues to inspire artists, designers, researchers, and audiences worldwide.

As part of the launch of this international initiative, artists, designers, and creative practitioners working in the field of textile art are invited to participate in the inaugural TOMA International Competition 2026.

About TOMA

TOMA is an international cultural platform dedicated to contemporary tapestry and textile art. Established in honor of Professor Tamilla Mammadova, the initiative promotes dialogue between traditional textile practices and contemporary artistic expression.

Rather than viewing tapestry merely as a decorative craft, TOMA recognizes it as a living artistic language—one that is deeply connected to memory, materiality, space, culture, and contemporary visual narratives.

The initiative seeks to encourage new perspectives on textile art while fostering international collaboration among artists, curators, scholars, and cultural institutions.

TOMA 2026: Baku Edition

The inaugural edition of TOMA will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2026 and will feature an international exhibition, professional forum, and curated competition bringing together local and international participants.

The event aims to showcase innovative approaches to tapestry while celebrating the rich traditions that continue to shape contemporary textile practice.

Competition and Selection Process

An international jury of distinguished professionals will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:

• Originality and professionalism of artistic approach

• Understanding of tapestry as a medium of artistic expression

• Sensitivity toward material and textile-based practices

• Development of traditional textile language within a contemporary art context

Selected artists will have the opportunity to present their works in the main exhibition scheduled to open in Baku on June 8, 2026.

Awards and Opportunities

Beyond exhibition participation, TOMA will recognize outstanding artistic achievement through a series of awards and professional development opportunities.

The initiative will offer:

• Cash awards for the top three winners

• Opportunities to participate in international exhibitions

• Future collaborations and symposium projects

• Increased international visibility among curators, collectors, and art institutions

Through this initiative, TOMA seeks to establish a sustainable platform for contemporary textile art while honoring the enduring legacy of Professor Tamilla Mammadova and inspiring future generations of artists working in the medium of tapestry.

Follow TOMA

Artists and creative practitioners interested in participating in the TOMA International Tapestry Award 2026 are encouraged to follow the initiative's official Instagram page for updates, announcements, and application-related information.

Instagram: @tomatapestry

Applications are open until June 5, 2026, for artists working in tapestry and textile-based contemporary art. The selected works will be showcased as part of the inaugural TOMA exhibition in Baku, Azerbaijan.

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