Top 4 submissions to win $1,500 each
At noon on Monday, Nov. 16, the window will open for submissions for the Spirit of Sarasota postcard contest, presented by the City of Sarasota Art Program in partnership with the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), city staff has announced.
“The contest provides an opportunity for artists of all experience levels” in Sarasota and Manatee counties “to capture the spirit of Sarasota through original postcard-style artwork,” a news release explains. “Artists or artist teams may submit up to three print-ready works, with the top four submissions receiving a $1,500 award,” the release points out.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, Dec. 18, the release adds.
“The Public Art Program is thrilled to present the Spirit of Sarasota postcard contest to our community,” said Public Art Administrator Ciera Coleman in the release. “Beyond creating special and memorable artworks to be shared with the world on behalf of our community,” Coleman continued, “this contest invites artists of all backgrounds to show off their skills, celebrate our city, and get involved in Sarasota’s Public Art scene.”
The release further explains, “The Spirit of Sarasota postcard contest is inspired by a longstanding tradition of postcards depicting the beauty and character of Sarasota, taking the spirit of Sarasota far beyond the region and shaping how the world first saw this unique community.”
“We want people to arrive at SRQ and immediately feel connected to this community we’re proud to call home,” said Sarasota Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Paul Hoback in the release. “Our region has such a rich history and a remarkable arts community, and I’m excited to bring more of that into the airport. These postcards give local artists a chance to celebrate that history and give our residents and guests something meaningful to keep or send to someone across the country,” he pointed out in the release. “We’re grateful to the City of Sarasota and its Public Art Committee for helping us make this happen. It’s one more way we can create a sense of place at SRQ and connect people to what makes our region special.”
The members of the City of Sarasota Public Art Committee “unanimously approved the postcard contest” during their Aug. 5 meeting, the release notes.
Participation is limited to artists living in Sarasota and Manatee counties, the release says. “Submitted artwork must be original,” the release stresses. “Copyrighted, trademarked, branded or AI-generated content will not be accepted,” it adds.
The four “winning submissions will be printed as mailable postcards and will be available to the public at no charge at the SRQ welcome desk, City Hall, and other locations to be announced,” the release continues. “Postcards will be released quarterly in 2027,” it says.
For information on how to apply, submission guidelines, and more, visit Sarasotafl.gov/Spirit-of-Sarasota.