PMA/Collab Student Design Competition 2023

This student design competition invites currently enrolled college and university students to create a vessel (container used to hold things) for the physical world that addresses the design concepts in the work of Stephen Burks, especially blending contemporary design with craft. Designs must consider the use of indigenous or natural materials and combine traditional craft with new technology in a contemporary design approach.

Submissions require a graphic presentation (11" x 17" full color high resolution), 3-D images of the design in context and scale (maximum 3 images), 3-5 high resolution images (300dpi), and a design statement (maximum 300 words). Judging criteria include evidence of applied research and process, originality and creativity of the concept, and ability to be manufactured.

Prizes include First Prize: $800, Second Prize: $500, Third Prize: $300, and two Honorable Mentions: $200 each. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 3:30-5:00pm EST via Zoom. Selected winning projects will be published on the Philadelphia Museum of Art website, Collab online journal, and displayed through Collab/Philadelphia Museum of Art social media platforms. Judges include Alisa Chiles (Assistant Curator, Dept. of European Decorative Arts and Sculpture, PMA), Amy Devers (Executive Producer & Host of Clever podcast), Shannon Maldonado (Founder, Creative Director YOWIE), Monica Obniski (Curator of Decorative Arts and Design, High Museum of Art), Natalie Suresch (Showroom manager and SR. Interior Designer, Roche Bobois), and Jomo Tariku (Designer, Jomo Furniture).