CSA Creative Work Honor

The CSA Creative Work Honor recognizes excellence in dress in its many forms, with emphasis on creative works and the making of dress objects. It pays attention to originality of concept, strength of research and concept development, inspiration and purpose, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, as well as communication about craftsmanship and the process of making. The honor is given every year to (1) one entry accepted and shown at the annual Symposium’s Exhibition of Creative Work. This entry may be the result of individual work or a collaborative endeavor. It is open to all CSA members, including career professionals, seasoned members, and young and emerging scholars who produce creative works related to dress and fashion.


All types of creative work submissions may be considered including (but not limited to): theatrical costume design, reenactment garb, reproduction, cosplay, and dress and/or conceptual design, etc. The submitters of creative works abstracts that score in the top (5) five will be eligible for this honor. The honoree will be announced at the symposium after the committee has reviewed the abstract and the creative work presented at the symposium.  The recipient will receive a certificate and be recognized at the symposium. 

  • Eligibility

    To be eligible for the honor:


    1. All types of creative work submissions may be considered including (but not limited to): theatrical costume design, reenactment garb, reproduction, cosplay, and dress and/or conceptual design, etc.
    2. The author/creator(s) must be a CSA member(s) at the time of the abstract submission date. 
    3. The author/creator(s) must send a creative work abstract proposal to the annual symposium (please follow instructions and deadlines to comply with this requirement). 
    4. The creative work abstract must be evaluated within the top (5) five highest scores. Those who are eligible will be notified following the review of abstracts. 
    5. At least (1) one of the authors/creators of the entry (including mentors who are listed as second authors) must present the completed creative work at the symposium.
    6. Winners of the CSA Betty Kirke Excellence in Research Award are not eligible for the Creative Works Honor in the same symposium year.

  • Nomination Procedure

    The submissions of the top (5) five highest scoring creative work abstracts will be evaluated in person at the symposium.

  • Rubric

    Each criterion is rated on a scale from 1-5 (1=lowest/inferior; 5=highest/best).

    1. Design context, project concept, and research
    2. Development and design process
    3. Visual effectiveness and execution
    4. Communication
    5. Contributions to the field and/or diversity, equity, accessibility, and belonging (DEAB)

  • Award Schedule

    The Abstract Submittal/Application Deadline for the 2026 Annual Meeting is October 1, 2025. Submitters will be notified of acceptance by December 1, 2025. Submitters of the top 5 scoring abstracts will be notified by 2 weeks prior to the Symposium. Eligible submitters are expected to attend the symposium and present their creative work. The honoree will be announced at the symposium after the committee has reviewed the abstract and the creative work presented at the symposium.

Please Contact the Vice President for Awards and Honors

Colleen Pokorny, for more information.

Contact Colleen Pokorny