(HYANNIS, MA – March 10, 2026) In 2026, the Town of Barnstable, like many other communities across the United States, will celebrate our Nation’s 250th Birthday. Barnstable’s celebrations will launch in June with events expected throughout the summer and fall seasons in all seven of our villages. This year, July 4th, 2026 will be a special day in the Town and we aim to celebrate the Nation’s birthday alongside the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The Town of Barnstable is seeking artists and designers of all ages and abilities to create a Barnstable logo for our Nation’s birthday celebration.

About MA250: Massachusetts 250 is embracing our history of the American Revolution. It commemorates the actions, ideas and battles that led to our independence. From the State website: “Let Massachusetts 250 be your guide to the many “firsts” and innovations created in our state. Explore Massachusetts and experience the special events that showcase our history with untold stories that pay homage to the past. From the hills of the Berkshires to the beaches of Cape Cod, join us as we take you on a journey through the last 250 years and the many revolutions yet to come”.  https://massachusetts250.org/

The selected design will be used on our BarnstableMA250 celebration webpage, included in all electronic and social media, marketing and promotional materials, advertisements, brochures, t-shirts, anniversary pins, banners, and more.

Barnstable was a key player in the formation of freedom for the colonies, the separation of church and state, equality, and the fight for democracy. From 1776 to 2026, we still value the original spirit of independence that is alive in our neighborhoods and villages today.

Qualifying entries will be judged on creativity, versatility, and relevance to the celebration of Barnstable’s MA250th events. The logo design must incorporate the “Town of Barnstable” text and the State MA250 icon.

Eligibility: The contest is open to all. The First Place design will be used as the main logo for the Barnstable MA250th celebration. Second and third place choices may be used in select situations.

First Prize: Merchandize award up to $200

Submission process: Entries may be submitted digitally or on 8?” by 11” white paper. Entries should be designed to be used in single and multi-color format.

Please submit entries electronically to BarnstableMA250@Barnstable.gov

Electronic entries are preferred.

If you need to submit your entry on paper, please send entries to:

Barnstable MA250 Logo Contest

Barnstable Town Hall
Planning & Development
367 Main Street

Hyannis, MA 02601

Deadline: Mailed entries must be postmarked March 20, 2026: all in-person or electronic submissions must be received by 4:00 PM Monday, March 23, 2026.  Award Notification will be Friday, March 27, 2026.

All submissions will be judged by our BarnstableMA250 working group. All submissions become the property of the Town of Barnstable. The selected design and artist will be announced via press release to all local media.  In addition, the design and artist will be featured in the Town’s weekly E-newsletter, BarnstableMA250 webpage and all associated event programming. The Town of Barnstable reserves the right to have the winning entry professionally rendered for our purposes.

Theme & Design Focus

Submissions should:

  • Embrace the spirit of democratic participation, civic pride, and collective voice
  • Highlight elements of local history, cultural traditions, and generational stories
  • Evoke a sense of heritage, stewardship, and connection to place
  • Be visually clear, adaptable, and suitable for digital, print, and large-scale applications

Submission Requirements

  • An original logo design (PDF, PNG, or vector format preferred). If digital, min 300 DPI is recommended.
  • A short design statement (100–150 words) explaining how the logo reflects the themes of history, democracy, and heritage
  • Artist/creator name and contact information

Evaluation Criteria

A jury will review submissions based on:

  • Alignment with the theme
  • Creativity and visual impact
  • Adaptability across various media
  • Clarity, readability, and long-term usability
  • Representation of shared civic values and inclusivity

NOTE: By submitting artwork, the artist certifies that the work is original, has not been copied from any other source, and does not infringe upon the copyright, trademark, or other rights of any third party. The artist agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Town of Barnstable from any claims arising from a breach of this certification.

The selected artist agrees that, upon selection, all right, title, and interest in the selected artwork, including all copyrights, shall be assigned to the Town of Barnstable. The Town may use, reproduce, display, publish, and modify the artwork in any manner for purposes related to the BarnstableMA250 (MA250) celebration and related municipal uses.

Questions?

Contact Alice Marcus Krieg & Peter Bertling for more information: BarnstableMA250@barnstable.gov