Top 10 International Textile & Fiber Art Competitions

From monumental tapestry to wearable art, these are the most prestigious platforms for artists working with thread, fabric, and fiber.

Textile art has moved firmly out of the "craft" corner and into major contemporary museums. However, the best opportunities for fiber artists are often found in specialized biennials and triennials rather than general open calls.

The following competitions are recognized globally for their dedication to material innovation and technical excellence.

1. International Triennial of Tapestry (visit site)

Held in Łódź, Poland—historically a major textile hub—this is arguably the most prestigious event in the fiber art world. It takes place at the Central Museum of Textiles.

  • Focus: Contemporary tapestry and large-scale fiber installation.
  • Why enter: It is the oldest and largest exhibition of its kind; being selected is a career-defining milestone.

2. Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery (visit site)

Organized by the historic London embroidery house (which holds a Royal Warrant), this prize celebrates the finest craftsmanship in the world.

  • Focus: Fashion, Textile Art, and Student categories.
  • Why enter: Tremendous industry recognition, particularly in the worlds of haute couture and luxury fashion.

3. World of WearableArt (WOW) (visit site)

New Zealand's spectacular competition is equal parts fashion runway, theatrical performance, and art exhibition. It challenges designers to take art off the wall and onto the body.

  • Focus: Wearable art, costume, and performance design.
  • Why enter: It offers one of the largest prize pools in the art world (over NZ$185,000) and immense global publicity.

4. Contextile (visit site)

A Contemporary Textile Art Biennial held in Guimarães, Portugal. It seeks to place textile art in the context of contemporary culture.

  • Focus: Contemporary fiber art (Sculptural, wall-hung, and installation).
  • Why enter: Winners receive cash prizes and "Acquisition Awards," meaning their work is purchased for the biennial's permanent collection.

5. Fiberart International (visit site)

Based in Pittsburgh, USA, this triennial is renowned for showcasing the "best of the best" in contemporary fiber art from around the globe.

  • Focus: Innovative fiber art that pushes the definition of the medium.
  • Why enter: The exhibition tours museums for highly visible exposure and is judged by world-class curators.

6. Quilt National (visit site)

The premier exhibition for the "art quilt." It was founded to demonstrate that quilts can be art, not just bedcovers.

  • Focus: Contemporary quilting (non-traditional).
  • Why enter: It is the standard-bearer for the medium; winning works are often acquired by major textile museums.

7. Miniartextil (visit site)

Held annually in Como, Italy, this competition focuses on "minitextiles"—small-scale works (usually 20x20x20cm) that pack a conceptual punch.

  • Focus: Small format fiber art.
  • Why enter: Lower shipping costs due to the size limits, yet it attracts major international press and collectors.

8. Valcellina Award (visit site)

An Italian competition specifically dedicated to young textile artists (usually under 35). It focuses on the intersection of fiber art and contemporary design.

  • Focus: Young/Emerging artists.
  • Why enter: Excellent for early-career artists looking to break into the European gallery circuit.

9. European Patchwork Meeting (Carrefour Européen du Patchwork) (visit site)

Held in Alsace, France, this event transforms four villages into galleries. Its international contest attracts thousands of visitors.

  • Focus: Patchwork, quilting, and textile art.
  • Why enter: Massive footfall (20,000+ visitors) and significant cash prizes.

10. International Baltic Mini Textile Gdynia (visit site)

Hosted by the Gdynia City Museum in Poland, this is another champion of the small format, challenging artists to create powerful work within strict size constraints.

  • Focus: Miniature textiles (usually 20x20cm).
  • Why enter: A prestigious juried review that often features the same high-caliber artists as the larger triennials.
Pro Tip for Textile Artists:
Lighting is everything. Unlike paintings, textile art relies on texture, shadow, and depth. When photographing your work for submission, use "raking light" (light from the side) to accentuate the weave, stitch, or surface quality. Flat lighting will make your work look like a print, hiding the craftsmanship judges are looking for.

Whether you weave, stitch, felt, or construct, these competitions offer the stage your work deserves. Check the deadlines and start preparing your submission today.