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The city of Alexandria is calling on local artists to submit original poster designs celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, the latest addition to a yearlong slate of events marking the nation's semiquincentennial.
The America 250 City Art Poster Contest, announced Monday, is part of a national initiative sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Endowment for the Arts. It is open to artists of all ages who live, work or study in Alexandria. Submissions are due April 17.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins will select one winning design to represent Alexandria at the U.S. Conference of Mayors 94th Annual Meeting in Long Beach, Calif., June 4–7, 2026. The winning poster will also appear in an official national digital publication and be featured as part of the city's local anniversary celebration.
"As we approach America's 250th anniversary, Alexandria is excited to take part in the National Conference of Mayors poster competition, which invites creativity, reflection, and civic pride," Gaskins said. "Programs like this encourage residents, especially our young people, to explore our nation's past and imagine its future through art."
The contest is one of several community-focused programs the city has added to its America 250 calendar since launching its yearlong commemoration at the Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum in February. Other upcoming events include the Alexandria Forum symposium "Nothing But Independence" on March 21 and Sails on the Potomac, a three-day tall ships festival scheduled for June 12–14 on the waterfront.
Entries must be vertically oriented and sized 24 inches wide by 32 inches tall. The nonpartisan theme centers on local history, community, and the future. Free poster paper will be available at regional recreation centers and arts partner locations throughout the city.
The winning design will be unveiled at a public reception April 23 at 7 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, where all submitted works will be on display.
Full contest guidelines and submission instructions are available at alexandriava.gov/arts. More information about Alexandria's full America 250 programming is at alexandriava.gov/america250.
Ryan Belmore
