International Triennial of Tapestry in Lodz is currently the biggest of the oldest exhibitions promoting textile art in the world, and it is the most prestigious one. It is also a contest in which, since the second international edition of 1975, artists from all the continents take part. Artists compete for awards, including the Grand Prix, for years regarded as an extremely prestigious award.
International jury grants only one grand prix, two silver medals, and three bronze medals and honorary mentions. Artists also covet the medal awarded by the Central Museum of Textiles in Lodz, awarded by a separate jury consisting of museum employees. On the exhibition opening day, the reading of the verdict (maintained in secrecy until last moments) attracts spectators from all over the world and the majority of the winners receive their medals personally. Post-contest exposition of the International Triennial of Tapestry in Lodz and numerous side events and exhibitions are all the elements that shape the true and only of its kind celebration of textiles. Works displayed side by side at the exhibition often differ in form and content as the contest organizers do not impose themes, do not promote certain technique or styles. Formal requirements only stipulate that works must be made of fibrous materials or in the interlace technique and they cannot exceed the size of 3x3x3 m and weight of 100 kg. Also thanks to this diversity, the International Triennial of Tapestry can so extensively showcase current tendencies in artistic textiles from all over the world.
Since its beginnings, through 15 editions, the Triennial has had 1595 participating artists from 71 countries. Every edition of the exhibition has an illustrated catalogue with the works of the contest winners. The museum has been the sole organizer of the exposition since 1985.
