Posted: May 14, 2025
APPLY

Mural Competition 2025

Ohio State Fair - Columbus, OH
Application Deadline: Jun 21, 2025
Art Opportunity

Mural Competition 2025

Returning for the second year, the Ohio State Fair Mural Competition! This competition will take place during the Fair from July 25 to July 27 on the lawn of the Cardinal Patio.

Timeline

  • June 21 at 1 p.m. – deadline to submit artwork and artist bio (online registration link can be found here in early April)
  • June 28 – acceptance/non-acceptance notices emailed
  • July 25 – painting from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • July 26 – painting from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • July 27 – painting from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • July 27 – awards ceremony at 5 p.m.
2025 Ohio State Fair Live Mural Competition
Entry Deadline: June 21, 1 p.m.
Notification of Acceptance: June 28, 2025 by email
Competition Dates: July 25 - July 27, 2025
Painting open on Friday, July 25 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.,
Saturday July, 26 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and 
Sunday, July 27 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
Artists must finish their artwork before 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 27.
Accepted artist check-in: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. on Friday, July 25 or 9 - 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 26 at the Cardinal Patio. 
Award Ceremony: Sunday, July 27 at 5 p.m. at Cardinal Patio.
Fees: No Fee. Juried Artists will be provided a $100 stipend.
 
Competition Notes:
  1. Submitting artists must be an Ohio Resident and 17 years of age or older.
  2. Competition has space for 10 juried entries. Entry does not guarantee acceptance.
  3. Mural designs submitted for jury into this live competition should meet the theme of "Ohio." Designs not deemed to meet this theme may not be considered. 
  4. Images of prior works will be submitted through this Google Form to assist in jurying. Without submitted prior works, entries may not be considered. Prior works may be submitted in the form of a website link or submitted photos.
  5. Submissions to this Google Form must also include a sketch or plan of the intended mural design for this competition.
  6. The Ohio Expo Center staff decision on accepted entries is final.
  7. Murals will be painted on freestanding 4 ft. x 8 ft. primed wood panels.
  8. Team entries of up to two artists are allowed. Only one person from the team should submit their entry. (The submitting artist will note their partner and will provide the their contact information).
  9. Only 1 entry per artist/team should be submitted. Only 1 entry per artist/team can be accepted.
  10. Artists should use paint resistant to the outdoor elements. No rain dates or indoor painting are permitted.
  11. Working space allotted to each mural is 10 ft. x 10 ft., including space for materials. Stanchions will surround the competition area. Storage will be available indoors when artists are not at work.
  12. The Ohio Expo Center will supply a sink for running water, the primed wooden panel, and a tarp to prevent stain or damage to the ground beneath the competition site. Artists must provide all other materials needed for their entry.
  13. If desired, artist may supply their own tarp and method to secure tarp to protect their work in the event of rain. The Ohio Expo Center is not responsible for these materials.
Attachments:
fine_arts.pdf