Commemorative Poster Art

Application Deadline: 11:59pm on Monday, February 27, 2023

If you have any questions, please reach out to Maria at mlucero@ecfair.org

2023 Erie County Fair Commemorative Art Overview

The 2023 Erie County Fair Commemorative Art will be the first time we’ve released a call for submissions for our poster artwork. This artwork must be created exclusively for the Erie County Fair. Once the official artist is selected and the piece is completed, the commemorative poster (18” x 24”), as well as, a limited number of signed prints will be available for purchase along with other merchandise and posters for the 2023 Erie County Fair

Proceeds will support the Erie County Agricultural Society 501(c)(3) mission to to preserve and enhance, by educational endeavors, the agricultural and historical legacy of New York State.

The official artist will receive a $2,500 commission to create the original piece, and participate in media events, including a special event to unveil the commemorative art. The original art will be on display during the 12-day run of the 2023 Erie County Fair and will become the property of the Erie County Agricultural Society. In addition, First will receive $200, the second runner up artist will receive $150 and the third runner up artist will receive $100.

Eligibility

The call for submissions is open to Western New York (Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Orleans) residents only, age 18 and older. There is no entry fee to apply.

Application Requirements

To apply, artists are asked to provide the following:

A completed application form
An Artist Statement that includes: (1) information relative to your background as an artist, (2) why do you have interest in creating this piece, including any special memories or pertinent facts regarding the Erie County Fair and (3) a written narrative of your concept. (PDF or Word Document)
A rough drawing or sketch concept that reflects your visual interpretation of the Erie County Fair. Which coincides with the artistic description provided in the Artist Statement. (JPEG or PDF)
Artwork must include “The Best 12 Days of Summer” & Include the year.
Photos of at least two examples of previous completed art pieces created by you (please specify if and when these were entered into the Erie County Fair art exhibition. (Note: prior entry is not required to apply). (JPEG or PDF)
Each artist may submit only one application.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges. A select number of applicants will be invited to present and share, in an interview-like setting, their Artist Statement along with the supporting rough drawing or sketch concept. The panel will then select one official artist to create the artwork in collaboration with Erie County Fair staff. The final piece must be original artwork. The artist selected will receive a commission of $2,500 under completion of project.

Deadline Schedule

The application deadline is 11:59pm on February 27th via the application form which can be found by clicking on the application button on the bottom of this page
All applicants will be notified in March whether or not they have been selected to move on to the finalist interview round. Interviews will be conducted in person or via Zoom
The official artist will be selected in March and announced to the public at a later date
The official artist will then work with Erie County Fair staff collaboratively, and the final artwork will be due by June 9, 2023

Submitting Application

Please submit your application by 11:59pm on February 27th by clicking on the application button below.

You will receive a confirmation email within 72 hours that your application and supporting documents have been received. Any questions may be sent to mlucero@ecfair.org

Thank you and we cannot wait to celebrate a WNY artist as our 2023 Official Commemorative Artist!!