PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.-­Partnering with the International Furnishings and Design Association, Safavieh has launched its first rug design contest, which is open to all IFDA members nationwide.

 The contest was announced at this week's IFDA New York Chapter's Rising Stars event, hosted by designer Jamie Drake, who will be one of the judges for the competition, along with Safavieh's Arash Yaraghi.

 Entries will be judged on originality, marketability and production potential. One winner will receive the design in a 6-by-9 area rug as well as $500.

 "We've never done a contest before," Yaraghi told HFN. "We're very excited about it."

 The deadline for entries is Jan. 25, 2011, and the winner will be notified on Feb. 28. Applicants can submit up to three designs. Visit ifda.com/node/30 <http://ifda.com/node/30>  for more details.