A person walks inside a crosswalk in Seattle's Chinatown-International District neighborhood. Photo: SDOT Blog stats: 700 words | 4-minute read
Additional Languages:
- 차이나타운 국제 지구(CID)의 가로등 배너를 새롭게 디자인해주세요!
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- 为唐人街-国际区设计全新的灯杆横幅！
- チャイナタウン・インターナショナル・ディストリクトのポールバナーの新デザインを募集！
- Thiết Kế Diện Mạo Mới cho Biểu Ngữ Treo Cột Đèn Đường ở Khu Phố Người Hoa – Khu Quốc Tế!
- Magdisenyo ng Bagong Anyo para sa mga Banner ng Poste sa Distrito ng Chinatown-International!
Calling all local artists!
Show your talent by entering the design contest for new pole banners in the Chinatown-International District (CID). This is your chance to showcase your creativity and celebrate this vibrant neighborhood.
If you like to draw, paint, or create digital art, this is your chance to shine. You could see your work hanging high up on street poles for everyone to see.
Get Ready for the FIFA World Cup—and Beyond
Seattle is preparing to welcome visitors from around the world during the FIFA World Cup. The Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA) is strengthening community pride by holding a design contest for new street pole banners. Pole banners will add color, energy, and storytelling to the area, creating a warm welcome for everyone.
While these banners will be installed before the FIFA World Cup, they’re meant to be long-term investments in the neighborhood’s identity. They’ll help create a sense of place for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
We’re helping the CIDBIA make it happen by providing financial support as part of the Downtown Activation Plan. The CIDBIA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping Seattle’s Chinatown–International District clean, safe, and thriving.
What Makes a Great Banner Design?
Your design should:
- Reflect the spirit and identity of the Chinatown-International District neighborhood.
- Make everyone feel proud, welcome, and included.
- Use timeless, iconic imagery (no event-specific themes or dates).
- Be bold, clear, and visually engaging—readable from a distance.
- Work year-round, not tied to seasons or specific events.
You can use cultural symbols, patterns, or modern art. You do not need to use photos or lots of text. Simple and bold is best.
Think of these banners as symbols of the community. They’ll hang proudly on the streets, catching the eye of neighbors, visitors, and everyone traveling by.
A note on the use of AI tools: you may use AI tools for brainstorming ideas, but your final design should be your (or your team’s) work. If you rely on AI during brainstorming, we ask that you note what tool you used in your submission.
Who Can Enter?
This contest is open to everyone! You can be a professional artist, a student, or just someone who loves to create. You can enter by yourself or work with a team, but the work should be substantially your own work. If you’re a local artist, we strongly encourage you to apply!
You do not need experience with public art to apply.
The Prizes
This is a paid opportunity. Your creative work is valued! If your design is picked as a finalist, you’ll get:
- First Place: $5,000
- Second Place: $1,500
- Third Place: $1,000
How the Contest Works
Here’s the process to pick the best design.
- Round 1: Send Your Ideas. You do not need a finished banner yet. Just send us your sketches, icons, or rough ideas. The CIDBIA team will shortlist the best concepts.
- Round 2: The Community Votes. The CIDBIA will show the semi-finalist designs to the CID communities. Neighbors will vote for their favorites.
- Final Round: Picking the Winner. A team will review the top 3 designs and pick one to be printed.
If you win, you will work with our team for 1–2 weeks to make sure your art fits the banners perfectly.
You will retain copyright for your design.
Important Dates
Mark your calendars so you don’t miss out!
- Contest Opens: February 16, 2026
- Deadline to Enter: March 13, 2026
- Voting Starts: March 18, 2026
- Winner Announced: April 1, 2026
- ISRD Presentation: April 2026
- Banners Go Up: May – Early June 2026
How to Apply
Ready to design? Here is what you need to do:
- Create your design concept.
- Save it as a JPG, PNG, or PDF file.
- Write a short note (1–2 paragraphs) about your idea.
- Submit everything online here: Design Contest – Submission Form
Don’t wait! The deadline is March 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST.
Questions? Please email: hello@seattlechinatownid.com
We can’t wait to see what you create. Let’s make something beautiful for our community together!