Call for Artists
For generations, Sarasota captured imaginations through vivid art postcards showcasing coastline, architecture, gardens, wildlife, circus heritage, and a thriving creative spirit. These small works of art traveled far beyond the region and shaped how the world first saw Sarasota.
The City of Sarasota Public Art Program, in proud partnership with the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), invites local artists to carry that tradition forward. The Spirit of Sarasota Postcard Contest seeks fresh, original postcard designs that reflect Sarasota today while honoring this legacy.
What selected artists receive
- $1,000 award for each selected artwork
- Printing as mailable postcards for widespread public distribution through SRQ, City Hall, and cultural partners
- Artist credit and a brief artist profile featured on the postcard and project website
- Teams are welcome to submit. One stipend is awarded per selected artwork.
Who can apply
- Artists or artist teams living in Sarasota County or Manatee County
- Artists of any age and experience level
- Artists working in any 2‑D medium, including painting, drawing, illustration, collage, mixed media, printmaking, photography, and hand‑crafted digital art created without AI tools
What to submit
You may submit up to three final, print‑ready postcard designs in one application.
Each artwork must:
- Measure 4 inches × 6 inches with a ¼ inch bleed
- Be at least 300 dpi
- Be original work created solely by the submitting artist or team
- Be submitted directly by the artist or team
- Not contain copyrighted, trademarked, or branded imagery
- Not contain material generated or materially altered using artificial intelligence tools or machine‑learning systems
- Not promote commercial products or services
- Be appropriate for broad public distribution in airport and civic settings
Seasonal themes (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) are welcome but not required.
Timeline
- Call Launch: October 20, 2026
- Call Close: November 20, 2026
- Panel Review: November 21 through December 14, 2026
- Finalist Review Meeting: December 15 through December 20, 2026
- Public Art Committee Selection: February 3, 2027
- Postcard Releases: Quarterly in 2027 (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
How selections are made
A review panel of City staff, SRQ representatives, and arts and culture partners evaluates submissions for:
- Artistic quality and originality
- Connection to Sarasota’s identity, culture, or environment
- Suitability for postcard format
- Technical accuracy and print readiness
- Compliance with all guidelines
All panel decisions are final.
Rights and reproduction
Artists retain full copyright. Selected artists grant the City of Sarasota Public Art Program and SRQ non exclusive rights to:
- Print the selected artwork as mailable postcards
- Distribute postcards at SRQ, City venues, and cultural partner locations
- Use the artwork for promotional, educational, and community engagement materials
- Display the artwork in civic, airport, or partner settings
- Feature the artist’s profile on the project website
- Include the artist’s name and artwork title on printed postcards
No additional royalties will be provided.
Apply
The submission portal will open on October 20, 2026 through the City’s Open Forms platform.
Apply here (link will be posted on October 20, 2026).
For questions before submitting, contact the City of Sarasota Public Art Program at PublicArt@sarasotaFL.gov.
Project Partner
The City of Sarasota Public Art Program gratefully acknowledges the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) for its partnership and support of the Spirit of Sarasota Postcard Contest. SRQ plays a vital role in sharing Sarasota’s creativity with travelers and visitors throughout the region, and we are proud to collaborate on this community‑driven project.