Calling all artists, designers, and creatives in Sarasota and Manatee Counties — this is your chance to make your mark on one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events. Sarasota Rising is thrilled to announce the 2026 Living Arts Festival Poster Design Contest, with a $1,000 award for the winning submission and the opportunity for your work to become the visual centerpiece of the festival’s third year.

Be the Face of Sarasota’s Premier Arts Celebration

The Living Arts Festival, returning November 8–14, 2026, is Sarasota’s weeklong interdisciplinary celebration of creativity and culture. Each year, the festival brings together a vibrant mix of dance, opera, theater, circus arts, choral and instrumental music, and more — all united by a shared mission: to celebrate Sarasota’s dynamic arts scene in all its forms.

In addition to the performing arts, the Living Arts Festival proudly embraces the visual, fine, and culinary arts, creating an inclusive platform that showcases the depth and diversity of our creative community.

Now, Sarasota Rising is inviting local talent to design the official 2026 festival poster — a piece that will represent the spirit of the event across print and digital platforms, merchandise, websites, advertising, and more.

Contest Details & Design Guidelines

This is more than a design competition — it’s a chance to shape the identity of Sarasota’s flagship arts festival. The winning poster will be featured alongside the official Sarasota Rising and Living Arts Festival logos in all festival branding.

To ensure consistency and versatility across platforms, all submissions must meet the following requirements:

• Download official logos [here] (opens in new window)
• Poster size: 18.5” (W) x 24” (H)
• Format: High-resolution digital file or full-color printout
• Design tip: Leave space at the bottom of the artwork for sponsor logos
• Submission info: Include your full name, email, and phone number
  

Branding Note: Your design should thoughtfully incorporate Sarasota Rising and Living Arts Festival branding elements and consider how the design will appear across a variety of formats — from merchandise to web banners.

Creative Direction: Capture the Spirit of Sarasota’s Arts Scene

The strongest submissions will reflect the vibrant, collaborative energy of Sarasota’s arts community. Think bold, dynamic, and inclusive — a visual story that celebrates creativity in all its forms. Whether it’s the dramatic movement of a dancer, the intensity of a theatrical moment, or the rich textures of culinary and visual arts, your design should speak to the power of the arts to inspire and unite.

Selection Process

Choosing the winner is more than a single round of judging. Sarasota Rising values creativity and growth, so artists whose work shows strong potential may receive feedback and the opportunity to resubmit. This collaborative approach ensures the final design is as impactful and representative as possible.

Timeline & Submission Details

• Submission deadline: April 15, 2026
• Winner announced: May 15, 2026
•  Grand reveal: Summer 2026 at a special cultural arts event

Submit your poster design to info@SarasotaRising.org and include “CONTEST” in the subject line.

Why You Should Enter

Beyond the $1,000 award, the winning designer will gain major exposure throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Your work will be showcased in marketing campaigns, media promotions, merchandise, and at events throughout the Living Arts Festival — putting your creative talent in front of thousands of festivalgoers, community members, and arts leaders.

This is your chance to become part of Sarasota’s cultural story and help shape the visual identity of a growing arts movement.

Ready to Create?

Don’t miss your opportunity to make history with Sarasota Rising and the Living Arts Festival. Submit your design by April 15, 2026, and show us your vision of what Sarasota’s arts community looks like in full color.

We can’t wait to see what you create. Good luck!