Awards & Grants
The Awards & Grants 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.
SDA’s 2019-20 Grants and Awards are made possible by a generous grant from the Lenore G. Tawney Foundation.
The following awards are given to SDA members who have shown excellence in the field of textile arts.
Award of Excellence
Outstanding Student Award
Creative Promise Award for Student Excellence
Small Event Grant
Socially Engaged Practices 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 media shown in current exhibitions.
Deadline: Ongoing
Guidelines: Award of Excellence Guidelines
Outstanding Student Award
Awarded to increase awareness of SDA mission by rewarding innovative work in textile media by student makers.
Deadline: April 8
Guidelines: Outstanding Student Award
Creative Promise Award for Student Excellence
Awarded to recognize excellence in a range of work in textile media by 2 outstanding students: given to 1 undergraduate and 1 graduate.
Deadline: June 1
Guidelines: Creative Promise Award
The following awards support an SDA member or area/group for projects, programs or activities that promote excellence in textile arts.
Small Event Grant
Awarded to support program-related expenses for local / regional SDA member events and exhibitions.
Deadlines: March 1, June 1, September 1, November 1
Guidelines: Small Event Grants
Socially Engaged Practices Grant
Awarded to promote the use of art and design skills to advance positive social change that benefits underserved communities or demographics.
Deadlines: June 1, November 1
Guidelines: Socially Engaged Practices
Personal Development Grant
Awarded to support an SDA member’s creative development, scholarship and research.
Deadlines: March 1, October 1
Guidelines: Personal Development Guidelines
Questions about SDA Awards & Grants?
Please contact: awardsadministrator@surfacedesign.org