The Downtown Plano Arts District is turning its streets into a canvas for young artists this winter. The city is inviting youth ages 5 to 18 who live within Plano ISD boundaries to submit original, winter-themed artwork for its Street Banner Design Contest.
Ten winning designs will be selected to appear on banners throughout Downtown Plano and each artist will receive $100 for their creative contribution.
How To Participate
Submissions are open now, with all artwork due by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 11, 2025.
Entries can be submitted digitally to [email protected] or dropped off in person at Bibliobar, Ten 20 Art Gallery, or the Municipal Center, labeled “ATTN: Michelle Hawkins.”
Artists should ensure their designs are vertical in orientation (8×11 inches) and, if physical, created on unlined paper or canvas. Digital art must be high-resolution, and bold colors are encouraged to help the designs stand out once printed.
Each entry must include the child’s name, age and a parent’s contact information on the back. Winners will be notified by Nov. 24 and artwork will not be returned.
A Growing Tradition Of Youth Art
This new edition follows the first-ever Street Banner Design Contest, announced in March 2025, which featured the theme “Springtime in Downtown Plano.” That inaugural initiative invited young artists across Plano to depict the city’s lively downtown through original artwork, with eight winners selected to have their creations displayed on banners throughout the district.
The enthusiastic response to that contest paved the way for this new seasonal edition, continuing the effort to spotlight local youth talent and strengthen Plano’s connection between art, community and place.
A Cultural Hub For Creativity
The contest takes place within the Downtown Plano Cultural District, a Texas Commission on the Arts–designated cultural district since 2016. This designation recognizes Downtown Plano as one of the state’s official centers for cultural and economic development — a hub for art, dining, entertainment and civic pride.
“Being recognized as an official cultural district tells us we’re on the right track,” Hawkins said when the designation was first announced. “It reflects years of effort to build energy and artistic engagement in Downtown Plano.”
With its blend of art galleries, restaurants, public installations and events, Downtown Plano continues to nurture community creativity — and now, the next generation of local artists will leave their mark on its streets.
Deadline: Nov. 11, 2025
Submission Email: [email protected]
Drop-off Locations: Bibliobar, Ten 20 Art Gallery, or Municipal Center
Prize: $100 and artwork displayed throughout Downtown Plano
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