Interwoven UnResidency
Reimagining Artistic Residency through Cultural Collaboration
The Interwoven Unresidency is a design opportunity for eight fashion designers working in Indigenous and Western traditions. This is not a retreat. This is not a residency. It is an Unresidency. Designers remain rooted in their own communities, studios, and workspaces while developing an eight-look story-based runway collection that will debut in Pendleton, Oregon at the inaugural Interwoven: Where Cultures Meet show.
Program Expectations
- Selected designers will:
- Create eight (8) original runway-ready looks
- Ensure at least one (1) look directly responds to the theme: “Interwoven.”
- Participate in storytelling development and documentation
- Attend the in-person June gathering
- Attend runway week in October
Theme Requirement: “Interwoven”
Each designer must create a minimum of one piece that addresses the theme Interwoven. Interpretation is left entirely to the designer. There is no required aesthetic interpretation. We are looking for authenticity, not uniformity.
Interwoven UnResidency
Designer Information
Designer Meet-Up
- All selected designers will be invited to Pendleton June 26–27 for:
- In-person introductions
- Pendleton, Oregon immersion and familiarization
- Networking with fellow designers
- Local community engagement
- Storytelling development sessions
- Early media capture and audience-building content
- Introduction to Pendleton hospitality via Jackalope Jamboree
Participation is an opportunity for designers to gather and establish connections with place and each other before the October event.
Designer Support
- Designers selected for the Interwoven Unresidency will receive:
- A stipend that may be used for materials and travel
- Lodging during October runway event
- Production support for runway shows: The Unresidency show and the Interwoven inspired look included in the horse fashion show
- Professional photography and video
- Inclusion in editorial, press, and marketing during the Unresidency working timeline and at the culmination of the Unresidency at Interwoven: Where Cultures Meet
Designers retain full ownership of their garments and intellectual property.
UnResidency FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to help you understand our UnResidency program
Interwoven is rooted in place. The runway exists inside a community where Indigenous and Western cultures have long shaped identity, industry, and story. This is not a neutral stage. It is intentional.
Pendleton, Oregon carries layered and interwoven histories of people, craftsmanship, and representation. Interwoven exists because of that context, not separate from it.
No. Designers may apply from any originating home place. Part of the designer stipend may be used for travel. If you have an authentic point of view and a story to tell through fashion, we want you to apply.
Designers receive a 3,000 stipend that may be used for:
- Materials needed to bring your collection to life
- Fabrication if required
- Travel-related expenses to Pendleton in June and October (lodging in October will be covered for selected designers)
Meals and incidentals during travel are the responsibility of the designer unless otherwise specified. Emerging developments may reduce some of these costs
Selected designers will receive half their stipend upon committing to the Unresidency. Designers will receive balance of stipend upon completion of work and a project report that includes records of reimbursable expenses.
We understand designers may have materials in their studios or possession they may wish to incorporate into their Interwoven work. Feel free to do so—we appreciate sustainable practice and craft; however, funding received for the Interwoven Unresidency cannot be applied to materials purchased prior to the Unresidency timeline.
Designers retain full ownership and intellectual property rights.
No. There is a required depth of intention.
Unresidency applications will be reviewed by an invited jury of selectors. The Interwoven Unresidency jury may reach out to applicants for individual interviews. Selected designers will be notified May 4th and announced publicly May 8th.
Yes! Committing to the Interwoven Unresidency is a responsibility that challenges time, creativity, and capacity. There will be an opportunity to submit singular designs and looks for a walking runway show and exhibition without the full commitment of the Unresidency. Look for a call for artists and designers for this exhibit separately from Interwoven Unresidency.
Still have questions? We’re here to help you navigate your UnResidency journey.