CHARLESTON, SC – Sustainable textiles innovator Lulan™ Artisans has extended the deadline of its first-ever 11˚|17˚ Textile Competition to May 31, 2010. The winning designs—up to five—will become part of the 2010 Lulan collection and a cash prize of $1,500 will be awarded for each winning design. Winners will be credited for the designs, featured online at Lulan.com, and promoted in press materials. Sponsors include Pentagram and Creative Commons.
As part of the competition and in collaboration with Creative Commons, entrants can opt-in to “No Design Gets Left Behind,” providing designers the opportunity to share their concepts with artisans around the world. An additional award will be presented to the individual who submits the highest number of designs into the “No Design Gets Left Behind” database. The winner will be connected with an artisan group for production of their design(s) as well as receive a cash prize of $1,500 and the same recognition as competition winners.
“Lulan Artisans is a beautiful merger of entrepreneurship, art and social change,” says Joi Ito, CEO of Creative Commons. “I'm honored that Creative Commons is contributing to the livelihoods and culture of artisans around the world participating in this project.”
The distinguished panel of judges includes renowned designers Ted Boerner, Agnes Bourne, Laura Guido-Clark and Mark Pollack, who both collaborated on Lulan’s first two collections, Laura Kirar, Mary Jo Miller, Diane Paparo as well as Cameron Sinclair, co-founder of Architecture for Humanity, which brings professional design services to communities worldwide.
“Over the years, thousands of textile designers inspired by Lulan’s commitment to craft and design have inquired as to how to get involved with us,” says Eve Blossom, founder of Lulan Artisans. “This competition allows us to celebrate craftsmanship, promote talent and provide opportunities for artists who are perhaps as yet undiscovered. Designers participating in our Creative Commons initiative have the opportunity to make a difference for artisans around the world by enhancing their marketability.”
The competition is open to anyone 18 years or older. Design entries are simple to submit. All that is needed is an uploaded graphic and a description of how one envisions their dream design. Specific color information is not mandatory but helpful. Technical details are not necessary. A detailed design brief can be found at http://11-17.lulan.com.
About Lulan Artisans
Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Charleston, S.C., Lulan produces high-quality, handwoven, hand-dyed natural textiles in a unique collaboration between U.S. designers and groups of gifted artisans in Southeast Asia. Their work elegantly merges original contemporary designs with centuries-old Asian weaving traditions. Lulan products are available through designer showrooms and select specialty retailers as well as online at www.lulan.com or by calling (843) 722-0118.
