INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Bicentennial Commission are now accepting submissions from local artists for the 200th anniversary logo design contest announced earlier this year. Original artwork will play a key role in marking this milestone – designs will be chosen for the official bicentennial logo, and will also be utilized for posters, memorabilia, promotional materials, public exhibits, and more.
The Bicentennial Commission is seeking to make this an inclusive process – engaging local artists of all ages, abilities, and disciplines throughout Marion County. Indianapolis has a history of promoting inclusive design; the flag of Indianapolis in its current form was created by a student at the Herron School of Art. “The Bicentennial Commission hopes to build upon this tradition by calling on artists of all walks of life, in all corners of the city, to submit their designs and become an integral part of celebration programming,” said Steve Campbell, co-chair of the Indianapolis Bicentennial Commission.
The Indianapolis Bicentennial will celebrate two significant events in the founding of our city: when dozens of families built cabins along the east bank of the White River in 1820, and the approval of that site as the state capital and official naming of Indianapolis in early 1821. To honor the importance of both events, bicentennial celebrations and programming will begin in June 2020 and continue through the summer of 2021.
Design contest entries should celebrate our city and address one or more of the Bicentennial Commission themes: history, civic pride, innovation, and legacy. Mayor Hogsett’s Create Indy Advisory Committee will review all submitted artwork, and members will select multiple awardees. A popular vote will also decide the public’s favorite design. The Create Indy Advisory Committee will award the following monetary prizes: $5,000 to the overall winner; $1,000 to the winner of the youth category; and $500 to the people’s choice winner.
Artists can submit their logo designs online now at bicentennial.indy.gov. The deadline for entries is September 30, and winners will be announced in early January 2020.