Call for Artwork: Arkansas250 Commission Seeks Arkansas Artist for Semiquincentennial Commissioned Work

Request for Proposals (RFP)

Sponsor Organizations

The Arkansas250 Commission, the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, and the Arkansas Arts Council.

Project Overview

The Arkansas250 Commission is coordinating Arkansas’ participation in the national celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026.

This is a call for artwork that celebrates Arkansas' history and contributions to the nation over the past 250 years, 1776 -1835 prior to statehood and since becoming a state on June 15, 1836 through present day. The Arkansas250 Commission will select one artist to create an acrylic or oil painting on canvas that best represents the history and contributions of the state of Arkansas. The selected artwork will be purchased by the sponsor organizations for a purchase price of $20,000.

Arkansas artists are invited to submit up to three original drawing samples for consideration. The Arkansas250 Commission will meet with the selected finalists for formal presentations. Please review the additional entry information below.

Eligibility

Artists must be 18 years old or older, a U.S. citizen, and an Arkansas resident for at least one year.

Active military stationed in Arkansas are eligible, and their spouses are also eligible provided they are 18 years old or older and a U.S. citizen.

Artwork Specifications

Style

The Arkansas250 Commission is seeking artwork created in a realistic style.

Medium and Materials

Commissioned artwork must be acrylic or oil painting on canvas. Artists should use professional-grade acrylic paints or premium-quality pigmented oil paint on a wood-supported high-quality cotton or linen canvas as the substrate. All materials should be archival/conservation quality.

All work must be original. No reproductions. No prints. No AI enhanced work.

Dimensions

Commissioned artwork should be created on a 36” x 48” wood-supported canvas.

Entry Procedure

Applications should be complete at the time of entry. Artists must submit the following:

• Application Form
• Up to three sample drawings
• Artist Resume
• Artist Statement
• Porfolio Samples

Sample Drawings

Include up to three drawings or sample paintings of the proposed project. Provide a list of materials, techniques, and color samples to be used.

Artist Resume

Your resume should include name, contact information, education, list of grants, awards, honors or residencies, list of past exhibitions, previous commissions and link to website or online portfolio.

Artist Statement

Your artist statement should be brief (up to 300 words) and explain your intentions as an artist, your artistic process and your overall concept as it relates to the work you are submitting.

Portfolio Examples

Include up to six examples of previous work that provides a close example of the style of work you would incorporate for this commission.

Evaluation Criteria

Finalist artwork will be selected by a six-person committee representing the project sponsors. The artwork will be selected based on technical merit, originality, composition, presentation, and subject matter that fits within the parameters of the project description. The winner will be selected from the finalists by the full Arkansas 250 Commission.

Project Specifics

Representatives from the Arkansas250 Commission will meet with three to five finalists for formal in-person presentations. One finalist will be selected for the commission.

The selected artwork will be purchased by the sponsor organizations for a purchase price of $20,000.

A contract will be provided outlining project specifics, including the allowance of up to two revisions to the original sketch and up to three revisions to the commissioned artwork.

All artistic services must be performed solely by the person awarded the contract under this RFP. The artist shall not substitute any other person for the artist in fulfilling the agreed upon contract.

The completed work is due March 1, 2026. Payment will be made in its entirety at completion and delivery of the artwork. The sponsors will provide an additional $1,000 for framing costs.

Cost for Proposal Preparation

Any costs incurred by the artist in preparing or submitting offers are the artists’ sole responsibility. The Arkansas250 commission will not reimburse any artist for costs incurred prior to a contract agreement.

Rights and Ownership

The State of Arkansas will own the exclusive rights to use images of the commissioned artwork from the time of the artwork purchase unto perpetuity.

The artist agrees that the commission is work-to-hire and releases all copyrights to the State of Arkansas. A copyright release contract will be signed by the artist and the purchaser when the artwork is received which will transfer all image rights to the State of Arkansas.

The State of Arkansas will have the right to reproduce and distribute a limited number of prints for promotional purposes related to the Semiquincentennial.

The artist shall not use images of the artwork, whether as a completed work or as work in progress, as part of any news release or commercial advertising, prior to, during, or after the contract period, without prior approval from the Arkansas250 Commission and the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.

Unveiling and Exhibition

A special unveiling event will be planned for Spring 2026.

The commissioned artwork will be unveiled and exhibited at one or more of the Division of Arkansas Heritage museums. The artwork may be displayed at other state government buildings, including the Arkansas State Capitol.