O’Connor Announces Pittsburgh America 250 City Art Poster Projec

This project is the City of Pittsburgh’s participation in the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Freedom 250 City Art Poster Project, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. 

One artist will receive a $5,000 Grand Prize and their work will become Pittsburgh’s official America 250 City Art Poster, representing the city in the national project. Five additional finalists will each receive a $1,000 award. 

“Pittsburgh has always been a city of makers, artists, builders, and people willing to imagine what comes next,” said Mayor O’Connor. “As we continue to celebrate 250 years of our nation, we want Pittsburgh’s artists to help tell our part of that story—where we’ve been, who we are today, and what we hope to become.” 

THE CREATIVE CHALLENGE

Show us Pittsburgh—where we’ve been, who we are, and where we’re going. 

Artists are invited to consider the question: What does Pittsburgh contribute to the American story—and what do you hope Pittsburgh will become over the next 250 years? 

Submissions can explore Pittsburgh’s people, neighborhoods, history, landscape, industry, innovation, arts and culture, traditions, resilience, or any other aspect of the city through the artist’s own perspective. Artists should not feel limited to familiar Pittsburgh landmarks or symbols. The City particularly welcomes original and unexpected interpretations of Pittsburgh’s identity and future. Submissions may be made by individual Pittsburgh residents, as well as by organizations located within the City of Pittsburgh. 

Eligible media will include a broad range of original, human-created visual art. AI-generated imagery will not be accepted. Full eligibility, media, rights, artwork, and submission requirements are available on the project webpage. 

The project is open to individuals who currently reside within the City of Pittsburgh and to groups or organizations located within the City of Pittsburgh. Individual and collaborative submissions are welcome. 

Submissions open September 16, 2026, and close Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM.  

The Grand Prize winner and five finalists will be recognized by the City and their work celebrated publicly. 

Full project requirements, artwork specifications, and the submission form are available at: https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/City-Government/The-Mayor/Pittsburgh-America-250-City-Art-Poster-Project.