The Textile Society of America is pleased to announce the return of Textiles Close Up—TSA’s signature in-person program offering participants rare, behind-the-scenes access to textile collections, exhibitions, and contemporary practices. This summer, Textiles Close Up: Revolutionary Threads will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
This full-day experience invites attendees to explore Philadelphia’s rich intersections of textiles, history, and artistic innovation. The itinerary includes:
- Enjoy a special guided tour of the Banners of Liberty exhibition and George Washington’s field tent at the Museum of the American Revolution.
- In the afternoon we’ll visit the Fabric Workshop and Museum to experience Soft/Cover, an exhibition featuring rarely seen works from the FWM collection alongside new commissions.
- Then we’ll have the opportunity to explore FWM’s unique Artist Boxes. These curated boxes (6.5 x 31 x 19 inches) include prototypes, swatches, correspondence, and visual materials that offer an intimate view into Kara Walker, Sonya Clark (TSA Fellow), Rose b. Simpson, Faith Ringgold, and Shahzia Sikander’s creative processes.
- Participate in exclusive, behind-the-scenes afternoon studio visits with current artist-in-residence Adebunmi Gbadebo, including opportunities for intimate conversations about their work and process.
- The day concludes with a closing reception designed to encourage connection and networking among attendees.
Registration opens May 27 and will remain available through July 7, 2025, or until capacity is reached. Registration is open to all, with a discounted rate for members. TSA encourages early registration, as space is limited.
Now Open: TSA Textile Research Travel Grant
The TSA Textile Research Travel Grant supports TSA members in traveling to conduct textile-focused research. This may include visiting museum collections, engaging with artists or weavers in their local environments, studying special exhibitions, or other research opportunities centered on the study of actual textiles.
The grant may be used for travel to attend TSA’s upcoming in-person Textiles Close Up program, taking place Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Philadelphia, PA.
Grant Details:
- Award amounts range from $500–$1,000, depending on the scale of travel (local, national, or international)
- Open to all current TSA members
- Funds may be used for transportation, lodging, meals, per diem, materials, or fieldwork connected to the research experience
- A total of up to $1,000 will be awarded, disbursed across one or two recipients
- The grant is not intended for travel to TSA symposia
Key Dates:
- May 20 – Applications open
- June 13 – Applications due
- June 23 – Awardees notified
Application materials include a short project statement, a bio or CV, a proposed travel budget, and a brief explanation of how the research outcomes will be used or shared.
Full grant details and application instructions available here. https://textilesocietyofamerica.org/programs/awards-scholarships/research-travel-grant
TSA is committed to providing accessible, inclusive opportunities for learning, connection, and scholarship. We hope you’ll join us in Philadelphia this summer, and we encourage eligible members to apply for travel support to make participation possible.
For questions or additional information, please contact us at info@textilesocietyofamerica.org.
