Eighth Generation's 2026 Inspired Natives® Emerging Artist Award

About the Inspired Natives® Emerging Artist Award

Formerly called “Eighth Generation’s Inspired Natives® Wool Blanket Design Contest,” this emerging artist award program began in 2017 as a way to work with as many Indigenous artists as possible. This contest both symbolizes our respect for Indigenous artists and ensures that we help new and emerging artists prosper in a global marketplace.

These new wool blankets will add to the brand’s list of over 100 blankets designed by authentic Native artists—and will be a vital part of Eighth Generation's movement and mission to support Inspired Natives®, not "Native-inspired."

Prizes

One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive $15,000 USD and an opportunity to have the winning design featured on a wool blanket to be sold by Eighth Generation

One (1) Second Prize winner will receive $10,000 USD and an opportunity to have the winning design featured on a to be determined textile product to be sold by Eighth Generation. 

One (1) Third Prize winner will receive $5,000 USD and an opportunity to have the winning design featured on a to be determined textile product to be sold by Eighth Generation.

Winners will also be invited to attend an event at a to-be-determined date in Seattle, WA, during the fall of 2026 with coverage for reasonable travel expenses. 

How To Apply

We are currently accepting entries via the form linked HERE (through 11:59pm PDT on September 14, 2026). For official rules, terms & conditions, click HERE. 

Eighth Generation is seeking entries from Indigenous artists who are currently emerging, pushing boundaries with their art, and who are making themselves a resource for their community through their artwork. All styles, techniques, and artistic traditions within the realm of visual arts (e.g.: beadwork, painting, drawing, digital art, sculpture, photography, etc) are welcome to apply.

Your submitted work does not need to be a final blanket design; it simply gives our team an idea of what your artistic style is.

This contest will be judged by a cohort of Eighth Generation's Inspired Natives® Artist partners—including Bethany Fackrell (Snoqualmie), Giizh Agaton Howes (Anishinaabe-Ojibwe), Michelle Lowden (Acoma Pueblo), and John Isaiah Pepion (Piikani/Blackfeet)—and is subject to official rules.

To enter, eligible artists should submit through the form linked HERE.

Thank you for supporting Inspired Natives®, not "Native-inspired."