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
Awarded 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
Awarded 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
Awarded 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
Awarded 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?
Please contact: awardsadministrator@surfacedesign.org