THE BEO ART + DESIGN CONTEST
CALL FOR ENTRIES
The BEO is inviting artists and designers to create an original piece for our upcoming Basque Cultural Day event, a recital featuring a classical pianist (Josu Okiñena), a txistulari (Garikoitz Mendizabal), and a classically trained singer (Noelia Ibáñez) performing about the history of Basque music. To learn more about this event, CLICK HERE.
While the theme of this specific event, it is our theme for the year, too. For this contest, we want to see and understand Basque music rooted in classical traditions, interpreted through your lens. We’re looking for work that captures not just the sound, but the feeling, movement, and cultural depth behind it.
Your piece can be illustrative, graphic, abstract, or something entirely different. There’s no single approach—just a strong point of view and a meaningful connection to the theme.
Submission REQUIREMENTS:
We’re interested in your process—how the idea came together, what inspired it, and how you see it connecting to Basque music and culture. This is about more than a single piece. It’s about contributing to a larger creative conversation.
As such, we will be seeking the following in the submission form:
- Final artwork (preferred: vector format)
- Sketches or process work
- A short written response
Deadline: July 15, 2026
*The selected artwork will be featured on BEO merchandise and shared through our programming.
Prize options:
- $500 + 25% of merchandise sales
or - $1,000 flat award
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The BEO invites artists and designers to submit original artwork for use in upcoming merchandise.
This year’s theme explores Basque music—rooted in classical traditions, interpreted through the artist’s lens. We’re looking for work that reflects not only the music itself, but also the energy, history, and cultural expression behind it.
Open to individuals 18 years or older.
Participants may submit up to [X] entries.
All submissions must be original work created by the entrant.
- Artwork must be original and not previously published or awarded
- AI-generated work is not permitted
- Preferred file formats: *.AI or *.EPS (vector-based artwork strongly encouraged)
- Submissions should include:
- Final artwork
- 2–5 sketches or process images
- A short written response (see prompts below)
- Submission deadline: [date + time]
- Entries must be submitted via [platform/email]
Artists retain ownership of their work.
Winning entry:
The selected artist grants The BEO an exclusive license to use the artwork for a period of three (3) years for merchandise and related promotional purposes.
After this three-year period, full rights revert to the artist.
The BEO may showcase submitted (non-winning) work for limited promotional purposes, with credit to the artist.
The selected winner may choose one of the following:
- Option A: $500 + 25% of net merchandise revenue
- Option B: $1,000 flat award
Net merchandise revenue is defined as gross sales minus direct production costs (e.g., printing, materials, fulfillment).
For Option A:
- Revenue share applies for a period of [2–3 years]
- Sales will be reported quarterly
- Payments will be issued within [X] days of each reporting period
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel selected by The BEO.
Criteria include:
- Interpretation of Basque music and culture
- Originality and strength of concept
- Craft, clarity, and adaptability for merchandise
Artists will be credited wherever their work is displayed, when reasonably possible.
By entering, participants agree that The BEO may use their name and submitted work for contest-related promotion.
The selected artist agrees to:
- Provide high-resolution and/or editable files
- Share process work, if not already submitted
- Make reasonable adjustments, if needed, to support production
If the artwork lends itself to multiple applications, The BEO may request adaptations (e.g., isolating elements or refining compositions), in collaboration with the artist.
- The BEO reserves the right to not select a winner
- Incomplete or non-compliant submissions may be disqualified
- All use of submitted work will align with The BEO’s mission to support artists and cultural engagement