festival art + poster design

For the first time ever, the NC Folk Festival is inviting North Carolina–based artists to create the official artwork for our 2026 Festival. The selected artwork will be featured on the official poster and across festival promotions, merchandise, and digital platforms.

THEME

There is no set theme for the 2026 NC Folk Festival artwork. Instead, artists are encouraged to create designs that capture the mission, energy, and spirit of the Festival.

The NC Folk Festival is a celebration of music, dance, craft, and community that brings together artists and audiences from around the world. Every year, it creates a space where traditions meet innovation, and where artists and audiences come together to celebrate expression in all its forms.

We encourage artists to spend some time getting to know the Festival’s mission and programming. The strongest designs will feel connected to what makes the NC Folk Festival unique: its diversity, inclusivity, and vibrant sense of place.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Open to artists currently residing in North Carolina.

  • Submissions may be individual or collaborative.

  • No age restrictions, though entrants under 18 must have parent/guardian consent.

TIMELINE

  • Call Opens: January 5, 2026

  • Submission Deadline: February 13, 2026

  • Finalists Announced: February 20, 2026

  • Public Voting: February 20-27, 2026

  • Winner Announced: March 2, 2026

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

    • Original Work: All submissions must be original and created by the submitting artist.

    • Prohibited Tools: Use of artificial intelligence (AI)–generated images or AI-assisted artwork is strictly forbidden. Entries found to include AI elements will be disqualified.

    • Design Elements: Artwork must include room for the following:

      • “NC Folk Festival”

      • Festival dates: September 18-20, 2026

      • Location: Greensboro, North Carolina

      • Additional space for performer names (to be added after design is selected).

    • Medium: Artists may work in any medium (painting, illustration, collage, digital, etc.), but final submissions must be provided as layered, editable digital files (.ai, .psd) at high resolution (minimum 300 dpi, CMYK, scalable to a minimum of 11x17 inches).

    • Adaptability: The design must be versatile enough to be used across a variety of platforms including posters, merchandise, social media graphics, and large-format displays such as banners and highway billboards.

    • Entries: Artists may submit up to two (2) designs.

    • Initial submission: High-resolution .jpg, .png, or .pdf (10 MB max).

    • Winner requirement: Must provide layered source files upon request.

SELECTION PROCESS

  1. Finalist Selection: Festival staff and committee members will review all submissions and select up to five finalists based on originality, alignment with the theme, and adaptability across festival materials.

  2. Public Voting: Finalist designs will be shared on NC Folk Festival’s social media channels. The public will vote, and the winner will be determined by a combination of community input and committee review.

AWARD

The selected artist will receive:

  • $1,500 cash prize 

  • Recognition as the official 2026 NC Folk Festival artist in press, social media, and festival materials

  • Prominent visibility through the official poster, merchandise, digital media, and on-site displays

RIGHTS & USAGE

  • By submitting artwork, artists grant NC Folk Festival the right to display entries for contest and promotional purposes.

  • The winning artist grants NC Folk Festival exclusive rights to use the final design in all festival-related applications (poster, merchandise, advertising, digital platforms).

  • The artist retains copyright and may use the artwork for personal portfolio and self-promotion, but may not resell or repurpose the winning design for another event or organization.

HOW TO SUBMIT

  • Submit entries via this Google Form.

  • Each submission must include:

    • Artist name, mailing address, phone, email and social media handles (if applicable)

    • Artist headshot/photo (for promotional purposes if you win!)

    • Brief artist statement (max 250 words) describing your inspiration and process

    • Digital file of artwork in the required format


FINE PRINT

  • Incomplete submissions or entries not meeting file requirements may be disqualified.

  • NC Folk Festival reserves the right not to select a winner if submissions do not meet artistic or production standards.

  • All decisions of the committee and social media contest are final.

submit your entries here.