Follow Us!

X

Get Creative!

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks invites artists, students, designers, and Shakespeare lovers to create an original poster inspired by our mission: bringing free, live Shakespeare to communities across Montana. The Ultimate Winner will be featured in MSIP promotional materials and sold at performances across a 5-state region.

About the Contest

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is pleased to announce our FOURTH ANNUAL poster design contest for the 2026 season. The Ultimate Winner will be awarded a cash prize of $250 and have their artwork featured on this year’s season commemorative poster that will travel to 65 communities across the Rocky Mountain West. All people are encouraged to enter!

The 54th summer tour season will present: The Merchant of Venice and Much Ado About Nothing

Submission Guidelines

  • All entries must be portrait orientation (11x17). Entries in dimensions other than these WILL NOT be considered.
  • All art mediums are welcome!
  • Artists may choose to incorporate specific images and themes from these beloved plays or create an artwork that emanates the spirit of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.
  • Incorporating words such as “54 Years of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks,” the names of this year’s plays, the year 2026, or the Montana Shakespeare in the Parks tagline; “For all people, for all time,”; or leaving space for these words to be included is encouraged but not required.
  • All people, regardless of age, skill-level, background, or geographic location are welcome to enter!

AI Art Policy

AI-generated imagery or designs are NOT eligible for submission, including artwork created wholly or in part using generative artificial intelligence tools.

  • If a submission is suspected to be AI-generated, the artist may be asked to provide evidence of their creative process. Acceptable proof may include: sketches or concept drafts; layered or working digital files; time-lapse recordings; photographs documenting the artistic process.
  • This policy is not meant to discourage experimentation or new tools, but to ensure fairness and to honor the work of artists whose skills and creative labor are at the heart of this contest.

Steps to enter

  • Create your marvelous, one-of-a-kind design that emanates the spirit of MSIP!
  • Scan your artwork and save as a PDF with your name & town (for example, Liz Johnson, Bozeman, MT).
  • Fill out the Art Submission Form and upload the PDF to the form.
  • Entries are due by April 27, 2026.
  • Questions? Contact Liz with MSIP at elizabeth.johnson25@montana.edu or (406)994-3310

Winning Categories

In addition to the Ultimate Winner who will have their artwork printed and sold at performances, secondary awards will also be selected. Secondary winners will recieve digital recognition and a website feature, MSIP merchandise, a social media spotlight, and a shoutout in your hometown.

Actors's Choice: Voted on by participating actors

Staff Favorite: Selected by MSIP staff

"Rising Star" Award (Youth winner under 18)*: Selected by a partnering arts organization

*Youth are also eligible to be the Ultimate Winner - if this is the case, another applicant under 18 will be chosen for the Rising Star Award.

THE MISSION of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is to engage and enrich both rural and underserved communities with professional productions of Shakespeare and other classics and, through educational outreach, to inspire creative expression and appreciation of the arts in young audiences.

Season Sponsors:

Questions?

(406) 994-3310