As we wrap up an exciting and transformative year for TSA, we want to share with you the incredible strides we’ve made and the inspiring initiatives that will shape the future of our organization.
Highlights from 2024
This year, TSA has worked tirelessly to expand its reach and evolve into a broader, more inclusive organization that represents a growing range of specialties within textiles, drawing on perspectives from across the globe and throughout history. Central to our work are the values of anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, which we continue to prioritize in every aspect of our programming and operations. These values were on full display during our 2024 symposium, Shifts and Strands: Rethinking the Possibilities and Potentials of Textiles, where we were proud to offer keynote sessions from global leaders such as Christine Checinska, Anna Arabindan-Kesson, Wafa Ghnaim, Vandana Bhandari, Nastassja Swift, Ai Kijima, and many others. The Symposium offered an inclusive platform for diverse voices and artists, creating a space for thought-provoking dialogue and international connection.
We also took significant steps to ensure our symposium was as accessible and inclusive as possible. In partnership with Constellation Collective, we created a robust accessibility statement, and we scheduled sessions across international time zones to reflect TSA’s global reach. We are proud to have provided a record number of awards and scholarships for symposium attendance, making participation possible for many in our community who might otherwise have been excluded.
Building a New Era for TSA
This year also marks a pivotal moment in TSA’s organizational development. Our collaboration with the Arts Consulting Group has led to the hiring of a new Executive Director, bringing fresh leadership and a renewed vision for TSA’s future. The Executive Director will be announced in the new year, and we are confident that this new direction will strengthen our governance, development, and fundraising efforts. We look forward to the continued growth and revitalization of our organization.
Looking Ahead: Your Support is Vital
As we reflect on a year of progress and transformation, we are reminded of the importance of community and the need for continued investment in our work. We are entering a new era, one filled with opportunity, but also with challenges. The work ahead is significant, and we need your support more than ever to sustain TSA’s financial health and ensure we continue to provide a platform for diverse voices in our textile community.
Your generous gift will help sustain our programming, ongoing accessibility efforts, fund future scholarships and awards, and support the ongoing development of our new leadership. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in this work and for your commitment to the future.
Thank you for being a part of TSA’s success this year. We look forward to what we can achieve together in 2025.
Warm regards on behalf of the Board of Directors,
| Isaac Facio | Dr. Sharbreon Plummer | Dr. L Vinebaum |
|---|---|---|
| President | co-Vice President | co-Vice President/ Academic Symposia Chair |
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