THE BEO ART + DESIGN CONTEST
CALL FOR ENTRIES
The BEO is inviting artists and designers to create an original image for our upcoming Basque Cultural Day event, a performance featuring a classical pianist (Josu Okiñena), a txistulari (Garikoitz Mendizabal), and a classically trained singer (Noelia Ibáñez). We will soon update this page with the link to the event’s webpage.
While the theme of this specific event is Basque music rooted in classical traditions, it also serves as a broader theme for our year of programming. For this contest, we want to see and understand Basque music interpreted through your lens. We’re looking for work that captures not just the sound itself, but the feeling, movement, memory, identity, and cultural depth behind it. Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from the many dimensions of Basque musical tradition—from classical composers and compositions to folk influences, regional instruments, performance, rhythm, and the cultural histories carried through music across generations. Whether abstract or representational, the work should reflect a thoughtful connection to Basque culture, artistic expression, and the spirit of creative interpretation.
Your image 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 image. 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
Learn more below.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The BEO invites artists and designers to submit original artwork for use in upcoming merchandise. The selected artwork will be featured on BEO merchandise. While final applications are still being developed, the work should be adaptable across a range of formats, which may include apparel, printed materials, and other small-format items.
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 all artists 18 years or older, regardless of background or cultural affiliation.
- Participants may submit up to two 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 on the submission form)
- Submission deadline: July 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT)
- Entries must be submitted via the submission form on this page
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 artist will receive:
- a $750 flat award.
- complimentary merchandise featuring the final design
- Two (2) tickets into the pre-event reception as the BEO’s featured artist
- Two (2) tickets to the Basque Cultural Day event on September 26th
The BEO is committed to crediting the artist wherever reasonably possible as the work appears across merchandise, programming, and promotional materials. The artist may also be featured through BEO platforms as part of the broader story behind the work and creative process.
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel selected by The BEO. Entrants will be notified of the decision by July 31st.
Submissions will be evaluated on:
- Effectiveness in interpreting the roots of Basque music in classical traditions
- Originality and strength of concept
- Craft: quality of execution, 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
This Agreement is made on [DATE], between:
The Basque Educational Organization (BEO) (“Organization”)
and
[Artist Name] (“Artist”)
- Project Overview
The Artist agrees to provide original artwork selected through The BEO Art & Design Contest for use in merchandise and related programming.
The artwork is titled: [Title of Work]
The work will be used for merchandise and promotional purposes aligned with The BEO’s purpose: to educate people about Basque history and culture through the creative process and their creators.
- Scope of Work
The Artist agrees to provide:
- Final artwork in high-resolution and/or vector format (*.AI / *.EPS preferred)
- Any supporting files necessary for production
- Previously submitted concept sketches or process work
The Artist agrees to make reasonable refinements or adjustments, if needed, to support production (e.g., scaling, isolating elements, minor edits).
- Timeline
Final deliverables will be provided by: [TBD]
Any additional revisions will be completed within a mutually agreed-upon timeframe.
- Compensation
The selected artist will receive a $750 flat award. The BEO is committed to crediting the artist wherever reasonably possible as the work appears across merchandise, programming, and promotional materials. In addition, the artist will receive complimentary merchandise featuring the final design and may be featured through BEO platforms as part of the broader story behind the work and creative process.
- Intellectual Property & License
The Artist retains ownership of the artwork.
The Artist grants The BEO an exclusive license to use the artwork for:
- Merchandise
- Marketing and promotional materials
- Programming and exhibitions
This license is granted for a period of three (3) years from the date of this Agreement.
After this period, all rights revert fully to the Artist.
- Attribution
The BEO agrees to credit the Artist wherever reasonably possible, including digital and printed materials.
- Artist Representations
The Artist confirms that:
- The work is original
- The work does not infringe on any third-party rights
- The work was not generated using AI tools
- Use & Adaptation
The BEO may adapt the artwork as needed for production purposes, including:
- Resizing or reformatting
- Extracting elements for specific uses
Any substantial changes will be made in consultation with the Artist.
- Termination
If either party is unable to fulfill this Agreement:
- Written notice must be provided
- Any completed work will be compensated proportionally
- General Terms
This Agreement represents the full understanding between both parties.
Any changes must be made in writing and agreed upon by both parties.
- Signatures
Artist: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
The BEO: ________________________
Date: ___________________________
Send an email to info@basqueeducational.org, and we’ll get back to you quicker than you can say…