AKRON, Ohio — A search is underway for the artist or designer who will create a logo representing Akron’s 200th anniversary, which will be celebrated throughout 2025.
The city announced in June it would open a $2 million museum-quality history center downtown in late 2023, ahead of the city’s bicentennial celebration.
The city has shaped the selection process for its bicentennial logo to enable applications from a wide range of artists, and to be an opportunity for anyone who is creative to “make their mark on the city in a long-lasting way,” the Akron Bicentennial Commission said in a release.
“This logo will be used for a range of marketing material leading up to and during the city’s 200th anniversary and will forever live as a symbol of the city’s Bicentennial Celebration,” said Summit County Judge Elinore Stormer, who serves as honorary co-chair of the Akron Bicentennial Commission.
The commission’s marketing committee, which Stormer chairs, has developed a “Request for Qualifications,” which can be viewed online.
The deadline for applicants to submit their qualifications via email to the commission is no later than 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, 2023.
Applicants do not have to be Akron residents, but they must be able to show they have worked with partners in Akron and Summit County.
There is no age restriction, so students can apply individually or with partners. Collaboratives and agencies are also welcome to apply.
Applications should communicate the applicant’s experience in logo design, branding, print production and marketing collateral, the commission said.
Those applying must submit samples of their artwork created previously in areas of community interest, such as education, parks, tourism, nonprofits, social services or arts.
“The final artwork that is selected should communicate Akron’s history, values and vision for the future,” said Bicentennial Commission Executive Secretary Dave Lieberth. “We look forward to seeing submissions from a diverse group of artists and graphic designers.”
Applications must include:
- A cover letter with introduction, professional background and reason for applying
- A statement of the applicant’s capabilities
- A statement describing the method applicant will use to develop the logo
- A portfolio with at least three examples of relevant experience
- References
A panel of design professionals will choose one or more applicants to continue to the second phase of the selection process. The artist whose work is ultimately chosen to become the official Akron Bicentennial logo will be awarded $2,500.
For more information, send an email to the Akron Bicentennial Commission.