“The arts and sciences need diversity to thrive. Diversity sparks dialogue. Diversity propels innovation. Diversity refines ideas.” The Vilcek Foundation is an American nonprofit that is dedicated to recognising the accomplishments of immigrant artists and scientists through prizes, grants, exhibitions and events. Its Creative Promise Prizes, now open for entries, aim to bring awareness to the ways fashion – and immigrants working in fashion-related fields – enhance the culture of the USA.
The Vilcek Foundation
Founded in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek, immigrants from former Czechoslovakia, the New York-based Vilcek Foundation has awarded $8.7 million in prizes to foreign-born individuals in the USA and provided over $6.8 million in grants to organisations, supporting innovation across the arts, sciences and culture. It is home to an expansive art collection, hosting exhibitions and events.
Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise
Right now, the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise are calling for entries across two categories: Fashion & Design and Fashion & Culture. In each of these categories, three young immigrant fashion professionals who have demonstrated outstanding early achievement in their respective field will individually receive an unrestricted cash prize of $50,000. Applications are open until 9 June 2025.
Fashion & Design
This prize welcomes entries from designers in womenswear, menswear, nonbinary clothing and textile design – including print, embellishment, knitwear, and fabric making. It celebrates experts in sustainability, eco-conscious creators and innovators in smart, eco-friendly or wearable textiles. Makeup and hair stylists are encouraged to apply for this category.
Deadline 9 June | Find out more »
Fashion & Culture
This award is open to entries from writers, researchers, academics and journalists. It also welcomes curators and museum professionals working in exhibitions, presentations and virtual displays. Additionally, stylists of editorial, advertising and fashion presentations, as well as image makers in photography, film, animation, illustration and fashion technology, are encouraged to enter.
Deadline 9 June | Find out more »
The Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise are open for entries until 9 June.
For detailed application information, click here »
