Textile Art Opportunities Roundup: Exhibitions, Residencies, Calls for Papers, and Artist Opportunities
The summer opportunity season is in full swing, and there are plenty of open calls, residencies, exhibitions, and research opportunities available for textile artists, fiber practitioners, designers, curators, and interdisciplinary creatives. We’ve gathered a selection of current opportunities with deadlines ranging from June through August 2026.
Whether you’re looking for exhibition opportunities, funded residencies, professional development, or academic research platforms, there’s something here worth exploring.
Quilt National 2027
One of the most respected exhibitions in contemporary quilt and fiber art, Quilt National continues to showcase innovative approaches to quilting and textile-based contemporary art.
Artists working at the intersection of quilting, material experimentation, social commentary, and contemporary art are encouraged to apply.
Deadline: August 30, 2026
Website: https://dairybarn.org/quilt-national/
Apply Here: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/L_tL3TTwqv5MdaiHNojsbQ
Highlights:
- Internationally recognized exhibition
- Exhibition tour through 2029
- First-time applicants may apply free of charge
- Open to original works completed after August 30, 2024
Textile Art on the Brink
Hosted by Cromer Artspace in the United Kingdom, Textile Art on the Brink seeks work that explores contemporary textile practice through innovative approaches, material experimentation, and critical engagement.
Artists working in traditional, contemporary, or interdisciplinary textile forms are encouraged to investigate this opportunity.
Deadline: Monday 24 August 2026
Location: United Kingdom
Website: https://www.cromer-artspace.uk/
Apply Here: https://cromer-artspace.uk/textile-art-on-the-brink-call-out
Catskill Art Space Open Call
Catskill Art Space is accepting submissions from artists across disciplines, including fiber and textile practices.
The organization supports emerging and established artists and is particularly interested in work that sparks dialogue, explores contemporary issues, and expands artistic conversations.
Deadline: July 1, 2026
Honorarium: Selected artists receive a $1,000 exhibition honorarium.
Location: New York, USA
Website: https://www.catskillartspace.org/opportunities
Apply here: https://catskillartspace.slideroom.com/#/login/program/89309/Mc0ERgCovS
Textile Residency – Weave Up+ (France)
For artists interested in sustainable materials, slow making, and European textile traditions, this residency offers a unique opportunity.
Participants will spend ten days exploring wool and wicker production through workshops, field research, and collaborative making experiences in rural France.
A 10-day immersive journey across the rural territories of Cantal, focused on wool and wicker. Material discovery, workshops, and co-creation sessions mentored by master designers are programmed throughout these 10 days for a group of 5–6 participants.
Locations and Dates: France, Cantal: Vendes, Bassignac, Parensol
Residency Includes: Travel, accommodation, and meals are covered.
Mentorship from felted wool and basketry master designers.
Access to tools and materials.
Deadline: June 14, 2026
Residency Dates: September 18–27, 2026
Apply here: CV, portfolio, motivation letter, and contact details to: weaveup.europe@gmail.com
Cloth Collaborative Residency
The Cloth Collaborative continues to offer residency opportunities that support artists exploring textiles, material culture, and collaborative making practices.
Artists interested in community engagement, experimentation, and process-based research should explore this opportunity.
Deadline: June 15, 2026
Website: https://www.clothcollective.org/
Apply here: https://clothcollaborative.space/classes-and-workshops/residency
Lottozero Textile Art Factory Residency
Based in Prato, Italy, Lottozero’s Textile Art Factory Residency connects artists directly with one of Europe’s most important textile manufacturing regions. They offer free residencies by invitation or through open calls for specific projects. For personal research
– whether experimental, academic, or commercial -s the residency has a fee.
Participants gain access to:
- Textile laboratories
- Industry expertise
- Workshops
- Mentorship
- Factory visits
- Final exhibition opportunities
Deadline: June 15, 2026
Residency Period: October 2026 – April 2027
Apply Here: https://www.lottozero.org/textile-art-factory
Support Includes:
- Studio space
- Shared accommodation
- Textile lab access
- Monthly stipend
This opportunity is particularly valuable for artists interested in expanding technical knowledge while developing contemporary textile-based research.
Fiber on the Edge
Fiber on the Edge returns as a juried exhibition celebrating contemporary fiber art.
Artists working in textile, fiber, mixed media, and material-based practices are encouraged to submit work that pushes the boundaries of traditional fiber art.
It’s hosted by the Janice Charach Gallery in Michigan.
Deadline: Sunday, June 28, 2026
Website : https://thejdetroit.org/janice-charach-gallery/
Apply Here: https://jccdet.typeform.com/to/EIGSZrAd?typeform-source=thejdetroit.org
Young Emerging Artists
YEA! Calls for entries. This is a special juried exhibition to debut at the International Quilt Festival in Houston 2026. There will be multiple prize awards. Looking for quilt and textile artists 35 years or younger (born after November 15, 1990). Seeking 2D and 3D and wearable textiles.
Deadline: June 30, 2026
Website: https://yeaexhibit.com/index.html
Apply Here: https://airtable.com/appVU2xWO5nFLbMhS/pagflxcvKlUkPjSYC/form
Textile Month
Textile Month continues to grow as an international platform celebrating contemporary textile practice through exhibitions, events, workshops, and artist engagement.
Artists should monitor upcoming calls for exhibitions, presentations, and participation opportunities.
Website: https://textilemonth.org/
Apply here: https://www.textilemonth.nyc/nytm2026
Call for Papers: Music and Craft Research
For textile artists whose practice intersects with sound, craft theory, making processes, or interdisciplinary research, this call for papers may be of interest.
The “Textures in Conversation” research initiative explores relationships between music, craft, material knowledge, and creative practice.
Researchers, artists, academics, and practitioners are encouraged to submit proposals.
This opportunity highlights a growing interest in understanding textile practice as a form of embodied knowledge and creative research.
Deadline:
Website: https://texturesinconversation.org/
Apply here: https://music.uwo.ca/research/textures-in-conversation/call-for-papers.html
The New Gallery (Canada)
The New Gallery is accepting submissions for future programming and exhibitions. Artists working in experimental, socially engaged, and interdisciplinary practices are encouraged to apply.
Website: https://thenewgallery.org/
Apply here: https://thenewgallery.org/Call-For-Submissions-2026
Knott Sorry
This exhibition celebrates work made by hand, by time, by tension. Quilts that carry stories. Garments that feel like armor or confession. Threads that bind, unravel, and reassemble meaning. Interested in fiber as both material and message – the pieces that blur the line between craft and fine art.
Website: https://notshockboxx.comm/
Apply here: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=17309
Final Thoughts
One trend continues to emerge across many of these opportunities: textile practice is increasingly being recognized not simply as a medium, but as a framework for research, community building, sustainability, cultural exchange, and contemporary art making.
Whether your work centers on quilting, weaving, embroidery, soft sculpture, installation, social practice, or interdisciplinary research, there are more opportunities than ever to connect your work with international audiences and institutions.
As always, carefully review eligibility requirements, deadlines, and submission guidelines before applying.
Best wishes, and be sure to use the direct application links or submission portals listed within each opportunity’s official call, as organization homepages may not always lead directly to the application form.
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