Attention Artists: Vacant Storefront Creative Design Contest Returns

The City of Cambridge invites local artists to submit their illustrations, prints, photographs, or other 2D media to the third Vacant Storefront Creative Design Contest. Six winners will receive a $1,000 prize and their artwork will be displayed in windows of vacant commercial properties in Cambridge. This will be the first Vacant Storefront Design Contest since 2020. Applications will be accepted from February 1, 2023 through March 22, 2023 - the deadline has been extended. Apply here: Vacant Storefront Creative Design Contest Submission Form

The Vacant Storefront Creative Design Contest program began in 2019 in partnership with Cambridge Arts and aims to energize neighborhoods and support local artists by filling empty storefront windows with reproductions of local artwork. 

For the 2023 contest, a jury will select 12-15 finalists and the public will vote to select six winners. These winning designs will be available for Cambridge property owners to print and display in vacant ground-floor storefronts throughout the city.  

“After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m thrilled that we are able to hold this contest once again,” said Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Iram Farooq. “This contest gives us an opportunity to celebrate local artists, connect to the community in new ways, and add vibrancy to our neighborhoods."

To enter the contest, artists must upload their original artwork as a high-resolution PDF to an online submission form between February 1 through March 20, 2023 - the deadline has been extended. Each artist may submit up to three pieces for consideration. Designs must be original and not infringe on any copyrighted material. Winning artists from the 2019 and 2020 Vacant Storefront Creative Design Contests are not eligible to participate.  

Finalists will be announced in March 2023, followed by a public vote to help determine the winners. The six winners will be announced in April 2023.  

For more information about the contest’s submission and selection process, visit cambridgema.gov/StorefrontContest.