Emily Sullivan Smith, Casting Nets of Futility, 2017-2018

Grants & Awards

The Grants & Awards Programs supports the creative growth of SDA members. Surface Design Association grants fund regional exhibitions and events as well as personal development projects. Awards recognize established and mid-career artists, students or emerging artists for creative excellence.

SDA is committed to supporting the efforts of its members to realize their creative goals and positively impact the world of textiles, fibers and surface design. SDA provides an array of grants and awards to support members as they demonstrate excellence in the studio, engage in professional development, create exhibition opportunities and events, or engage in practices or that positively impact their community.

Be sure to read Award and Grant Guidelines before completing your application.

The following awards are given to SDA members who have shown excellence in the field of textile arts.

Award of Excellence

Community Support Fund

Outstanding Student Award

Creative Promise Award

Educator Grant

Small Event Grant

Personal Development Grant

Questions about SDA Awards & Grants?


Award of Excellence

JuliaKartushAwarded to increase awareness of SDA mission by recognizing innovative work in textile and fiber media to artists who have work in current exhibitions.
Deadline: Ongoing
Guidelines: Award of Excellence Guidelines
Application


Community Support Fund

SDA’s Community Support Fund is made possible through generous contributions from members who have experienced the benefits of being part of the SDA community and who want to “pay it forward” to those facing barriers to membership.

Rolling deadline; applications reviewed on the first of each month
Application


Outstanding Student Award

Julia.WindomAwarded to increase awareness of SDA mission by rewarding innovative work in textile and fiber media by student artists.
Deadline: April 1, 2023
Outstanding Student Award Guidelines
Selection Form (for educators)


Creative Promise Award

Awarded once a year to two outstanding students for excellence in a body of work in the amount of $500 each. (Funds may vary from year to year.)
Deadline: July 1, 2023
Guidelines: Creative Promise Award
Application


Educator Grant

Awarded to SDA member educators to foster excellence in fields related to fibers and textiles.
Deadline: March 1, November 1, 2023
Guidelines: Educator Grant Guidelines
Application


The following grants support an SDA member or area/group for projects, programs or activities that promote excellence in textile and fiber arts.

Small Event Grant

Connor ShumakerAwarded to support program-related expenses for local / regional SDA member events and exhibitions.
Deadlines: May 1, December 1, 2023
Guidelines: Small Event Grants
Application


Personal Development Grant

Vilchenko-Buddha's Leaves MandalaAwarded to support an SDA member’s creative development, scholarship and research.
Deadlines: February 1, October 1, 2023
Guidelines:  Personal Development Guidelines
Application


Questions about SDA Awards & Grants?

Yiting Hao

Please contact: awardsadministrator@surfacedesign.org