Making Our Mark: A Call for Proposals

November 8, 2016

Every other year Surface Design Association hosts a conference bringing members together for workshops, lectures, and exhibitions. Our 40th Anniversary Intensive, Making Our Mark, will be hosted in Portland, OR on August 3-6, 2017 in partnership with the Oregon College of Art and Craft, and Portland State University. SDA is currently looking for conference proposals for the 2017 Making Our Mark intensive. We invite both members and non-members to submit proposals for breakout sessions and demonstrations.

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To more accurately reflect the retreat-like, intimate nature of this biennial gathering of international artists, educators and enthusiasts, SDA has reimagined the conference as an intensive. This relaxed atmosphere gives participants time to connect with presenters, new ideas, new techniques, and—most importantly—each other.

Making our Mark will foster dialog and networking within the context of SDA’s 40th Anniversary focusing on the present and future of contemporary fiber art and textile-as-mixed-media practice. The SDA demographic includes topics of interest to SDA members who are professional and emerging artists, students, educators, curators and more. Associated topics such as identity, education and professional development are also welcome in order to create a vibrant atmosphere for exchange of ideas.

What we’re looking for!

Breakout Session Applications:
Each concurrent Breakout Session will be 45 minutes long, with questions to follow, and take place at Portland State University on Friday, August 4th. Examples of a breakout session could include illustrated lectures or presentations that may or may not also have a discussion component or hands-on activity:

Demonstration Applications:
Seven concurrent demonstrations or presentations of practice and studio work will take place during a “Demo Day” at Oregon College of Art and Craft on Saturday, August 5th. Each demo session will last about 1 hour and most will be repeated 4 times, twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. Demos may have a hands-on component if time and facilities allow.

To submit:

• See full list of questions/requirements at SDA Making Our Mark Call for Proposals 2017
• Email proposal plus supporting materials to:
• Danielle Kelly, SDA Executive Director
• Astrid Bennett, SDA Programming Committee
• Use “Conference Session Proposal” as the subject line of email

All proposals due Tuesday, November 29th, 2016

Email info@surfacedesign.org with any questions or concerns

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Founded in 1977, the mission of Surface Design Association is to promote awareness and appreciation of textile-inspired art and design through member- supported benefits including publications, exhibitions, and conferences. SDA’s membership includes nearly 3000 professional and emerging artists, students, educators, designers and writers from 28 countries.