Why is this only for craft artists and not inclusive of all design fields?

Eligibility is limited to craft artists because this grant is funded by a generous donation from Maxwell Hanrahan Foundation whose primary philanthropic focus is  supporting craftspeople within the field of craft.

Are architecture, Industrial or fashion design included as craft disciplines?

No. 

What is the difference between fashion design and fiber or textile arts?

Both involve working with textiles and can share similar techniques, however, fashion design aims to create wearable and marketable garments while fiber arts focus on artistic expression through textile mediums.

The end products of fashion design are intended for the consumer market, while the outcome of work by fiber artists are often created for aesthetic appreciation, cultural expression or conceptual purposes.

I work in several craft disciplines, but you are asking me to select a single discipline on my application.  Will all of my work be considered or do I need to limit work samples to my primary medium?

All of your work is eligible for consideration but we would like you to specify the discipline that you work the most in.  You can still include images of your work in other disciplines as long as all the work you share falls within the field of craft.

I use a craft medium, but I make conceptual work.  Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes. While there is often a separation between fine art and traditional craft, the Creative Futures Grant Award will consider contemporary and traditional craft practices eligible for the award.  When the primary intent is functional (e.g., pottery, quilting, furniture), the work is more likely to be seen as craft. If the intent is to express ideas, emotions, or concepts without a functional purpose, it leans more towards fine art.  We are prepared to celebrate both approaches within the field of craft.

Contemporary artwork made with traditional craft materials can be considered both craft and fine art, depending on the context, intent, and reception. The boundaries are increasingly fluid, and many contemporary artists embrace this fluidity, challenging conventional distinctions and enriching both fields in the process.

What should my ten images include?

The applicant may use the image requirement as they see fit to represent their best work. They may choose to show multiple perspectives of a single piece or a range of different works within one of the disciplines, or the multidisciplinary, categories. 

You may include one or more images that show multiple pieces/elements that are meant to be viewed together as a single work, or to show one or more pieces as installed in a gallery/space. Composite images (separate images combined into one image) are not acceptable.

Do the work sample images need to have a common theme or be a project, or is it just a cross-section of an artist’s work? 

The applicant needs to submit the images that, in their opinion, best shows their work - whether it be in a series, or a cross-section of work. It is recommended that artists submit works that are conceptually related.

Who will select the winners? 

The recipient will be selected by a jury of three professionals from across the United States, currently active in the field of craft. 

What is the selection criterion? 

The jurors will make their selections based on artistic excellence and the feasibility of the project described in the application questions that reflects and represents the diversity of Black Diasporic expression in craft and craft based materials.

Could I ask how my images are viewed? What is the screen/projected size? Will they be viewed two or three at a time? 

Images are viewed typically on a computer screen by each individual juror. For each submission, they see thumbnails of your five images, and enlarge each to be pretty much a full-screen size.

What is the award?

The Creative Futures Grant are two $5,000 cash prize intended to support projects that Black students in craft may want to do but are not necessarily supported to create at their educational institutions. The grant seeks to move students toward actualizing all the phases of a creative project.

If I am the winner, what will I receive?

The recipient of the award ward will receive two payments of $2,500 deposited by ACH to a US bank account. The second payment is sent after progress/impact report is submitted.

If I am the winner, what can I spend the money on? 

The Creative Futures Grant is intended to support initiatives that demonstrate innovative models within the recipient's field of expertise.

BADG hopes the $5,000 grant will be directed towards endeavors that forward the recipient’s craft practice and legacy building by covering expenses related to creation of new work for your thesis exhibition, a permanent public art installation, a body of work outside of your graduate coursework , travel to support research connected to the creation of work, and or the continuation of a project you are already engaged in (as a part of or outside of your school work),  but winners are not required to submit their use of the funds for approval. 

The Creative Future Grant Award Recipient should note that the award money constitutes taxable income, and should file accordingly. 

If I am the winner, what am I obligated to do?

The recipient is required to submit a one-page progress report with images (if appropriate) on how they used the fellowship winnings no later than February 15, 2026.