At Newport Classical, we know that music isn’t just heard—it’s felt and seen, living in the places we gather, the stories we share, and the images that spark anticipation long before the first note is played. This year, we’re thrilled to invite artists, designers, and creatives of all backgrounds to bring that energy to life through our 2026 Music Festival Poster Competition.
For more than 56 years, the Newport Classical Music Festival has filled Newport’s most iconic spaces with sound and spirit: from gilded-age mansions and historic venues to seaside gardens and intimate concert halls. Each summer unfolds as a celebration of artistry and connection. Our festival poster is the visual prelude to that experience, offering audiences their first glimpse of the season ahead.
We encourage artists to draw inspiration from Newport itself, our distinctive venues, and the energy of live performance, while leaving plenty of room for your own creative voice. Whether your approach is bold or subtle, abstract or illustrative, contemporary or timeless, we are excited to see how you translate music into visual form.
The selected artwork will become the official poster for the 2026 Newport Classical Music Festival this July, appearing across print and digital platforms that reach audiences both locally and around the world. Submissions are open and will be accepted until April 1, with the winner to be announced May 5. The winning artist will be awarded $500, and their design will become part of Newport Classical’s story.
