Sponsorship

Each sponsorship opportunity below corresponds to a specific, clearly defined project need. Sponsors play an essential role in bringing this work to life and in supporting the preservation and reinterpretation of cultural heritage through fashion.

How Sponsorship Support Is Used

Sponsorship contributions directly support:

• Professional exhibition materials

• Artisan collaborations

• Research travel and archival study

• Garment production and textile development.

Threads of Migration — Sponsorship Levels

Thread Sponsor — $25–$99

Supports:

• Muslin

• Thread

• Pattern paper

• Basic notions used throughout the design process

Recognition:

• Name listed on the thesis website

• Name listed in the exhibition program

Fabric Sponsor — $100–$249

Supports:

• Fabric yardage

• Linings

• Interfacing

• Embroidery thread

• Textile test samples

Recognition:

• Name listed on the thesis website

• Name listed in the exhibition program

Technology Sponsor — $250–$349

Supports:

• Digital textile printing

• Machine embroidery

• Laser cutting

• Software upgrades

• Equipment usage fees

• Technical test runs

• Printing of patterns from 3d CAD patternmaking software

Recognition:

• Acknowledgment as a Technology Sponsor on the thesis website

• Acknowledgment in exhibition materials

Mannequin Sponsor — $350–$499

Supports:

• One professional, museum-quality fiberglass mannequin

• Used for exhibition display

• 10 mannequins are needed for the exhibition with a cost of approx. $300-400 each with shipping.

Recognition:

• Name listed on the thesis website

• Name listed in the exhibition program

• Sponsor name displayed alongside a mannequin in the exhibition

Folk Artisan Sponsor — $500–$999

Supports:

• Honoraria for collaborating Norwegian-American folk artisans

• Materials for artisan work, including: rosemaling, embroidery, knitting, woodcarving, quilting

• Postage for sending materials back and forth during collaboration

• 7 artisans are already onboard and committed to the project

Recognition:

• Name listed on the thesis website

• Name listed in the exhibition program

• Acknowledgment in artisan collaboration signage

Research Travel Sponsor — $1,000–$2,499

Supports:

• Archival research at the Norwegian-American Historical Association in Minnesota.  See archives here.

• Vesterheim 2026 red-listed textile study tour to Norway.  See tour information here.

• Lodging, transportation, and museum access

Recognition:

• Name listed on the thesis website

• Name listed in the exhibition program

• Invitation to a private virtual travel research discussion

Exhibition Patron — $2,500–$4,999

Supports:

• Exhibition installation

• Professional photography

• Professional videography

• Signage and display materials

• Travel to Decorah, IA
• Garment transportation to and from
• U-Haul to bring mannequins, collection and exhibition pieces back to Grand Rapids, MI

Recognition:

• Name listed on the thesis website

• Name listed in the exhibition program

• “Exhibition Patron” listing on exhibition signage

• Recognition at the private sponsor and artisan preview on November 6, 2026

Visionary Patron — $5,000+

Supports:

• Comprehensive support across the project, including:

  • research

  • technology

  • artisan partnerships

  • final garment materials

  • exhibition catalog production

  • All thesis requirements for graduation from SCAD

Recognition:

• Name listed on the thesis website

• Name listed in the exhibition program

• “Visionary Patron” listing on exhibition signage

• Recognition at the private sponsor and artisan preview on November 6, 2026

If you are interested in sponsoring at a custom level or supporting a specific aspect of the project, please reach out directly. I would be happy to discuss tailored sponsorship opportunities.

Thank you to all  the supporters listed below! I am truly grateful for your contribution.

Grants/Gifts

Norwegian-American Historical Association Publications Grant

 International House of Pleating

Contact Tammie