Call for Artists
Historic Annapolis and our partners invite artists to submit original designs for a public billboard inspired by the theme “History Marches On.”
As America approaches its 250th birthday, we are seeking artwork that reflects Annapolis’s important role in our nation’s founding and the spirit that continues to shape our community today.
The selected design will be featured on a billboard in downtown Annapolis beginning in June, giving residents and visitors a new artistic way to experience the city’s story.
Prompt: History Marches On
Submissions should creatively weave together elements of Annapolis’ unique history while imagining its future.
Artwork may highlight:
- Historic people connected to Annapolis
- Meaningful places and landmarks
- Defining moments in our city’s past
- The diversity, strength, and resilience of our community
Designs should celebrate the pride and enduring spirit of Annapolis.
Submit your design
Artists are encouraged to share their creative vision and help bring Annapolis’s story to life. Specifications can be found at the Submit Artwork button or by clicking here.
Submission deadline: Monday, April 6, 11:59pm EDT
Billboard location: Downtown Annapolis (City Dock)
Billboard display: Beginning June 2026
In partnership
This project is made possible through collaboration with these community partners, helping celebrate Annapolis and America’s 250th anniversary.
Terms of Agreement: The Call for Artists for a public art project on a billboard in historic downtown Annapolis (Public Art) is organized by Historic Annapolis, Inc. (The Organizer) in partnership with the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, and Annapolis 250 (The Partners). This call for public art is open to all residents of Maryland ages 18 and older. Employees of The Organizer or The Partners are not eligible to enter this call for Public Art. Submitted artwork must be the entrant’s original, personal creation and may not be generated or edited in whole or in part by artificial intelligence tools. Tracing or unauthorized use of third-party imagery is prohibited. The content of submitted artwork must be appropriate for all ages and must not include depictions of nudity, sex, drugs, violence, or political content. Limit one entry per person. Entries must be submitted using the Call for Artists: Historic Annapolis Downtown Billboard Project Google Form (Entry Form). Submitted artwork must conform to the design guidelines listed in the Entry Form. Submissions will be accepted until Monday, April 6, 2026, 11:59 PM EDT. Any artwork submitted after this deadline is ineligible. Entries will be judged based on originality, creativity, technique, and interpretation of the theme. Winners will be informed by phone and/or email on or about April 17, 2026, and will be announced publicly on or about June 1, 2026, via the Historic Annapolis, Inc. website (annapolis.org). Up to five finalists will be awarded an honorarium of $100 USD. One winner will be awarded an additional honorarium of $500 USD. Artists retain ownership of their work, but grant Historic Annapolis, Inc. a non-exclusive license to display, reproduce, and distribute the work for promotional purposes. The winner’s artwork will have minor elements added by The Organizer, to include logos of The Organizer and The Partners, a QR code, and minor text as deemed necessary by The Organizer for the purposes of description. With these elements added, the winner’s artwork will be printed and displayed on the billboard located at 119 Prince George Street, Annapolis (facing Dock Street), from approximately June 2, 2026, until approximately August 24, 2026. Submitted artwork may not be withdrawn once submitted. This call for artists is void where prohibited by law. The Organizer is not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. By submitting artwork to this public art project, you agree to be bound by these rules.