18th ArtWear Biennial: Where Fashion Meets Fine Art

The City of Fort Collins, Colorado, Lincoln Center is seeking designers of one-of-a-kind wearable art garments and accessories (no jewelry) for the 18th ArtWear Biennial. The week-long event includes a fully staged fashion show, sales gallery, and fiber art and wearable art programs and workshops. Wearable art in all media and styles are welcome, including garments, ensembles, hats, and handbags. Garments for both men and women are encouraged. Individuals or collaborative teams will be considered. The goal is to present innovative and wearable work of the highest quality and provide a forum to share enthusiasm for an exploration of techniques and materials.

Designers are selected by jury based on digital image samples submitted for entry. For a $35 fee, designers may submit digital images of up to 3 garments or accessories with one additional detail image per garment. If accepted, designers will be asked to send up to 5 garments, ensembles, or accessories for the event. All garments and accessories must be available for sale. Selected garments will be shown on the runway. Digital images must be .jpg files that are 1920 pixels on the longest side or 5"x7" at 300 dpi. Each image should include only one garment; one detail or alternate view per garment is required.

The show is open to all wearable art and fiber art artists within the United States and Canada. All works must be original to the designer and completed within the last two years. Exhibition dates are October 20-28, 2017, with the Fashion Show on Friday, October 20, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. Notification to artists will be April 30, 2017. Artwork delivery is September 25-28, 2017 (in-person drop-off September 29, 2017). $2,500 in cash prizes will be awarded for selected garments, including one $1,000 Grand Prize. Designers may set retail prices; the Lincoln Center will retain a 40% commission on all sales. Garments will be insured for 60% of their retail value while on the Lincoln Center premises and during outgoing shipping. Return of artwork will be shipped from Lincoln Center by November 3, 2017.