Volkswagen Foundation supports development of an interactive exhibit for the Augsburg State Textile and Industry Museum

The exhibit makes it possible to experience how social, ecological, and economic sustainability are interconnected in textile production, enabling visitors to directly grasp these relationships through their own actions.

In the game, there is the cheap producer, who focuses on maximum profit and pays no regard to sustainability in textile manufacturing. The environmental activist, on the other hand, places the highest priority on ecological responsibility and climate protection. The social activist, in turn, demands fair working conditions, adequate wages, and safe jobs. It is up to the players alone to decide which interests ultimately prevail, creating a dynamic gaming experience that makes the challenges of the global textile industry understandable and tangible.

We often only see the finished T-shirt, but not the hidden costs that arise along the way. "Shirt Quest" opens up this perspective and makes the complexity of these relationships tangible through play, fostering an understanding of how important sustainable consumption and the circular economy are for the future of the textile industry. The exhibit also makes clear that sustainability is not only an obligation, but can also be fun — the gamified approach motivates people to actively participate and achieve measurable, positive change together.

"Shirt Quest" successfully combines education and entertainment. Topics such as sustainability, social responsibility, and circularity become tangible and encourage visitors to critically question their consumer choices. With the new exhibit, the tim strengthens its social educational mission and raises awareness of responsible practices in textile production.

The project receives financing from the Volkswagen Foundation as part of the funding line "Ideas Competition: Circularity in Everyday Life."

We sincerely thank the Volkswagen Foundation and look forward to making a contribution to education for sustainable development with TexTiles.

Movie: Florian Tilscher