Sensational! (SAQA Global Exhibition) - Call for Entry

EXHIBITION THEME

See it, touch it, hear it.  Let your artwork engage the senses in this no-theme exhibition that will allow viewers of all ages to experience textile art in ways not usually allowed.  Embrace the challenge to create art that is appealing not just visually, but also through sound, touch, or interactive components. 

Please note: 

• Artists must accept that the quilts in the exhibition can and will be touched by the public at all venues. As a result, pieces may require minor repairs during the run, and some surfaces may require spot cleaning (to the extent permitted in the artist’s instructions).
• There will likely be more than the usual number of children experiencing this art, so materials and construction techniques will need to be robust and content will need to be family-friendly.
• If you include electronic components, consider how they will run in venues with different electrical outlet styles from your own country (USB or battery may be best). 

Need inspiration or want more information? Watch this webinar  where our panelists Deb Cashatt, Annina Collier, and Laura Fogg explored some of the exciting ways artists can think about this opportunity. Who knows, you may get an idea that will lead to a quilt that will become part of this groundbreaking exhibition!

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE

Opens June 2027 at the Brigham City Museum of Art & History,  Brigham City, Utah  

This exhibition will travel until December 2030

QUESTIONS?
If you have questions about this exhibition, please refer to SAQA’s Exhibition Guidelines and FAQs where many exhibition related questions are answered. If you have any further questions, please contact us at calls@saqa.art.

ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS

Wall-hung, ceiling-hung, and freestanding artworks (including wearables) are eligible.  

• Pieces may not exceed 96” (8 ft / 243cm) in height, width, or depth. There is NO minimum size.
• All artwork must fit through a standard 34” doorway.
• Wall-hung pieces (2D and 3D) must hang without distortion. Traditional quilt sleeves, stretcher bars, framed or mounted work, and other hanging mechanisms are acceptable.
• Artwork must meet SAQA’s definition of an art quilt: "a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure." 

IMAGE REQUIREMENTS

It is critical that submitted images be of the best possible quality: in focus, with clear details, and following SAQA's digital image requirements. Read Tips for Successful Art Quilt Photography and  Submitting Digital Images first!  

• For each wall-hung 2D entry (depth is less than 2 inches), submit one full view front digital image and one detail digital image.
• For each 3D artwork (wall-hung or freestanding), submit one overall front image and two detail images  
• Full-view images MUST show all the edges along with a small amount of background.
• Detail images should preferably be in portrait orientation. Do not simply crop your full-view image.
• Digital images must be saved as a high-quality JPEG or JPG file (No TIFF files). Do not use your name or initials in the filename (title is fine).
• Finished images should be at least 2100 pixels on the longest side (no maximum).   

Common errors include:

• Images that are out of focus or too small
• Cropping images too closely on the full-view image. All edges of the artwork  must be visible along with a small amount of contrasting background. Do NOT crop your photo into any part of the artwork as this may disqualify your entry.
• Your background should be neutral and not include distracting elements such as hands, floors, studio, pets, pins, etc.

ELIGIBILITY / FEE
Artists must be a current SAQA member to enter this call. $50 USD for up to 3 entries. $10 Early Bird Discount if all entries submitted by June 15, 2026. Entry fee must be paid online before the entry deadline via a credit card or PayPal at www.saqa.com/fees.

Entry form will be available June 1