21st ArtWear Biennial: Where Fashion Meets Fine Art

The City of Fort Collins, Colorado, is seeking designers of one-of-a-kind wearable art garments and accessories (no jewelry) for the 21st ArtWear Biennial. The week-long event runs September 7-15, 2024, and includes a fashion show, sales gallery, and other fiber art and wearable art programs. Wearable art in all media and styles are welcome, including garments, ensembles, hats, scarves, and handbags. Garments for both men and women are encouraged. Individuals or collaborative teams will be considered. The goal is to present and sell innovative and wearable work of the highest quality and provide a forum to share enthusiasm for an exploration of techniques and materials.

Designers may submit digital images of up to 3 garments or accessories with one additional detailed image per garment for a $25 entry fee. Residents of the Growth Management Area of Fort Collins receive a discount with code AWLOCAL. The deadline for entries is July 15, 2024. Artists will be notified the week of July 22. If accepted by the jury, designers will be asked to send up to 6 garments, ensembles, or accessories of their choice. All garments and accessories must be available for sale. Selected garments and accessories will be shown on the fashion-show runway. 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.

Awards include a $1,000 grand prize, $500 prize for excellence in creativity, and $500 prize for excellence in technique. The event takes place at The Community Center for Creativity in the Historic Carnegie Library in Fort Collins. Garments will be insured for 60% of their retail value while on the City of Fort Collins premises and during outgoing shipping. Designers may set the retail price and the City of Fort Collins will retain a 40% commission on all sales made. For questions, contact Liz Good at [email protected] or 970-416-2646.