Celebrate America 250: Poster Contest with the Mayor and RPCA

Here is your chance to be a part of history as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, the nation’s semiquincentennial.

The City of Alexandria is participating in the America 250 City Art Poster Project, sponsored by the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Alexandria community is invited to submit artwork that reflects civic pride, historical connection and optimism for the future.

• The artwork theme is “celebrating local history, community and the future (nonpartisan).” 
• The format is vertical orientation, 24 inches wide by 32 inches tall.
• The project is open to artists of all ages who live, work and/or study in the City of Alexandria.
• The deadline for submissions is Fri., April 17, 2026.
• Free poster paper will be available at regional recreation centers and arts partners. 
• For full contest guidelines, technical specifications and submission instructions, please visit alexandriava.gov/arts.

“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, Alexandria is excited to take part in the National Conference of Mayors poster competition, which invites creativity, reflection and civic pride,” said Mayor Alyia Gaskins. “Programs like this encourage residents, especially our young people, to explore our nation’s past and imagine its future through art.”

One poster will be selected by Mayor Gaskins to represent the City of Alexandria and will be showcased at the USCM 94th Annual Meeting in Long Beach, California, from June 4–7, 2026. Additionally, the winning artwork will be included in an official national digital publication and commemorated as part of the local city's celebration.

The winning artwork will be announced at a public reception on Thu., April 23, 2026, at 7 p.m at the Torpedo Factory Art Center where all of the submitted artwork will be on display.

For more information about the America 250 City Art Poster Project, visit usmayors.org.