Deadline: March 28, 2018 00:00 CEST
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Eligibility: Designers must be 18+ as at 28 March 2018
Prizes: The 2018 WOW Design Competition offers over NZD 170,000,- in prize money
Location: New Zealand

WOW Design Competition 2018

World of WearableArt invites you to enter the internationally renowned design competition.

Bring your work of art to life, on stage, for the whole world to see in 2018.

There are places only the imagination can reach.

Inspiring. Rich. Alive

For 30 years, World of WearableArt has bewitched and beguiled.

Now, for this very special anniversary event, it is once again calling on designers, artists and creators everywhere to bring to life the worlds that live in your mind for this truly international design competition.

Bring the world of your imagination. Celebrate your creativity.

Perhaps you have entered before, and have been waiting for this special commemoration to return.

Perhaps you enter regularly – in which case, the six worlds that have been created this year provide new scope for your art. You may never have entered before. What an extraordinary occasion on which to make your debut.

In three decades, WOW community of designers, artists and creators have changed how its audiences see life. They have put themselves on stage in a theatrical spectacular for the whole world to see.

Awards

Supreme WOW® Award

The most prestigious Award of all; given to the entry that the judges consider to be the most exception overall.

• Winner receives NZD30,000
• Runner-up receives NZD10,000

Dame Suzie Moncrieff Award

Chosen by WOW Founder, Dame Suzie Moncrieff, as the garment that epitomises the WOW spirit.

• Winner receives NZD5,000
• Runner-up receives NZD1,000

Section Prizes

Aotearoa, Avant-garde, Open, Reflective Surfaces and Under the Microscope:

• First prize: NZD6,000
• Second prize: NZD3,000
• Third prize: NZD1,500

Bizarre Bra:

• First prize: NZD4,000
• Second prize: NZD2,000
• Third prize: NZD1,000

First-time Entrant Award

Both designers must be first-time entrants to be eligible for the award

This award recognises the creativity and originality of an entry submitted by a first-time entrant.

• Winner receives NZD5,000
• Runner-up receives NZD1,000

Student Innovation Award

Both designers must be students (or graduated within the 12 months before 28 March) to be eligible for the Student Innovation Award.

This award recognises an entry submitted by a current tertiary student or recent graduate.

• Winner receives NZD5,000
• Runner-up receives NZD1,000

Sustainability Award

This award recognises a designer who demonstrates the inventive use of recycled materials in their garment. At least 85% of the garment must be made from recycled materials.

• Winner receives NZD5,000
• Runner-up receives NZD1,000

Wearable Technology Award

This award recognises a designer that explores and applies the most original and innovative technology to the construction and/or function of their wearable art garment.

• Winner receives NZD5,000
• Runner-up receives NZD1,000

New Zealand Design Award

Acknowledging the creativity and excellence of New Zealand designers.

• Winner receives NZD5,000

International Awards

Acknowledging the creativity and excellence of international designers, a prize of NZD5,000 is awarded to the best international design from each of the following regions:

• The United Kingdom & Europe
• Americas
• Asia
• Australia & Pacific

In addition, an overall international winner is selected and receives NZD6,000.

Weta Workshop Emerging Designer Award

The winner of this Award is chosen by Sir Richard Taylor, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Weta Workshop, from across all categories of the competition.

The winner will have the unique opportunity to spend time behind-the-scenes at Weta Workshop, and receives NZD5,000, flights from anywhere in the world plus accommodation in Wellington for up to four weeks.

• Winner receives NZD5,000
• Runner-up receives NZD1,000

Cirque du Soleil Invited Artisan Award

Chosen by a judge from Cirque du Soleil, this award is presented to an established designer whose entry demonstrates outstanding use of new techniques or technologies.

The winner receives NZD5,000 and will undertake a four-week residency at Cirque du Soleil in Montreal, Canada. Flights from anywhere in the world and accommodation are included.

Interested in applying for WOW Design Competition 2018? Register your participation by following the registration link and taking the suggested steps.

For more opportunities, check our opportunities section and subscribe to our weekly newsletters.