Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs announces open call for 2026 Piccolo Spoleto poster

The City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs announced exciting new additions to the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, including an open call for an artist to design the official 2026 festival poster.

Since 1979, Piccolo Spoleto has showcased the excellence of Charleston’s fine, performing, and literary artists, offering more than 500 arts events across the city each year. A highlight of the festival is the selection of a signature image that represents its spirit and theme.

All artists living in South Carolina are invited to submit proposals. The selected artist will receive a $5,000 commission.

Submission Guidelines:

• Artwork must have been completed within the past two years and may not have been previously exhibited in the Charleston region.

• Artists may submit one (1) digital image of original artwork not exceeding 36″ x 48″. Submissions must be in portrait orientation with a 2:3 ratio.

• A brief artist statement describing the artist’s background and interest in the commission is required.

• Up to four (4) additional digital images of past work may be included. Samples must be two-dimensional but may be in any medium.

• The submitted artwork must include the text “Piccolo Spoleto Festival 2026.”

Only submissions that meet these guidelines will be considered. The selected artwork will serve as the official festival poster and will be featured on merchandise and in print and digital marketing materials. While the City of Charleston and Piccolo Spoleto will retain licensing and legal rights to the artwork, the artist will retain copyright and ownership.

Submissions must be received by midnight on Sunday, April 19, 2026. A $5 application fee applies.

Apply at: https://cgwp.slideroom.com/#/permalink/program/88520
Or: http://bit.ly/4lu8NJ0