The New Brunswick Museum and the Marco Polo Quilters’ Guild proudly present the biennial, juried 2026 New Brunswick Contemporary Quilt Award.
The winning quilt will be purchased for the permanent collection of the New Brunswick Museum.
This Award ensures that quilts made after 1960 in the province are represented in the New Brunswick Museum’s collection. In the past 60 years or so, there have been major changes in quilt-making tools and methods. Some quilts have moved off beds onto walls and, with this expanded use, different styles of quilts have developed. Ultimately, if it is to tell the most complete story, the New Brunswick Museum’s quilt collection must include examples of what has been happening in quilt-making in New Brunswick in the recent past.
The following criteria will be considered as part of the selection process:
- The quilt must have been made since 1960.
- The quilter is a resident of New Brunswick.
- The quilter is a member of a New Brunswick quilt guild.
- Workmanship will be reviewed closely.
Submission procedures:
- Deadline for Submissions: Wednesday, 15 April 2026
- Submissions are restricted to three pieces per quilter.
- Initial selection will be made from photographs. At least two photographs of each piece must be submitted – an overall view and a view of details.
- Quilters are urged to submit pieces of all sizes and approaches.
- Submissions must include an artist’s statement (see application form).
- The jury will choose up to three submissions as finalists. Quilters will be notified by telephone to arrange delivery of selected quilts to the jury.
- Applications can be sent digitally or by mail.
Jury Procedures:
- The jury will consist of at least three members selected by the Marco Polo Quilters’ Guild and the New Brunswick Museum.
- The jury reserves the right to approach quilters and encourage their submissions in order to increase the array of submissions
- Depending on submissions and funding, the jury reserves the right to present more than one award.
- All jury decisions are final.
Download submission form here.
Please send submissions by email to: Peter.Larocque@nbm-mnb.ca or by mail to:
New Brunswick Contemporary Quilt Award
New Brunswick Museum
228 Lancaster Avenue
Saint John, New Brunswick
E2M 2K8