The Clifton Cultural Arts Center invites Greater Cincinnati artists to submit an original piece capturing the spirit of the Clifton community for our 2026 festival branding. The winning artwork will become the centerpiece of our visual identity and may be adapted for posters, digital marketing, social media, merchandise, and other promotional materials. Artists must be within a 50 mile radius of Clifton, Cincinnati OH. The winning artist receives a cash prize of $500.

This is a great opportunity to showcase your work and help represent one of Cincinnati’s most historic community festivals!

Eligibility

• Open to artists living in the Greater Cincinnati area (50 mile radius)
• Artists may submit one entry only
• Vertical orientation recommended
• Any medium allowed (illustration, painting, photography, digital art, etc.)
• Design must be suitable for reproduction in print and digital formats
• Final selected artwork must be provided as a high-resolution digital file
• Assistance will be required to adapt the design for multiple different marketing formats including but not limited to the Cliftonfest Event Program cover, social media, advertising ads and billboard production, T-shirts, Flyers, and other promotional materials

Note: All work must be original and created by the applying artist

What We’re Looking For:

• A creative work that celebrates the character, creativity, and community of Clifton.
• Artworks can be in any medium: painting, illustration, collage, photography, digital art, or mixed media.
• The design should focus on representing the neighborhood, its people, and its arts and culture, rather than including specific event details (these will be added later).
• Artwork should be adaptable for multiple uses (print, digital, merchandise, etc.)
• Please leave intentional negative space in your artwork for text or additional graphics. If needed, CCAC may adapt or extend the work to create space.

Selection Process

• Entries will be reviewed by a panel including representatives from Cliftonfest organizers and local arts professionals. Finalists may be presented for public or committee voting.
• Clifton Cultural Arts Center does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, financial status, or marital status in its programs, activities, and employment. CCAC prioritizes the inclusion of traditionally marginalized people in leadership and staff positions, as well as our exhibits and events, and encourages applications from a broad spectrum of candidates reflecting the diversity of the community we serve.
• Selected Artist will be notified by June 15th, 2026.

Prize

The winning artist will receive:

• Recognition as the official Cliftonfest poster artist on CCAC’s website and social media
• Their artwork featured in festival marketing
• Cash prize of $500

Usage & Alterations:

• The winning artist will receive a $500 prize. Upon award, CCAC retains the right to use, reproduce, and alter the artwork at our discretion across all marketing materials.
• We may reach out to the artist for major adjustments before final adaptations; minor alterations will be handled by CCAC.

Submission Deadline: May 31st, 2026 at Midnight