Theme & Details Released For Fairfield Arts Commission's Artistic Visions Challenge

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Arts Commission is seeking local student and adult artists to submit works of art for the Artistic Visions Challenge. The challenge was kicked off last week with an Arts Mixer held in the Warehouse at the Fairfield Theatre Company.

Now in its second year, the Artistic Visions Challenge is a townwide, juried art competition aimed at encouraging artists to collaborate and create art in new and unique ways. The competition is open to student artists, ages 10-19, and adults (ages 20+) that either work, reside or attend school in Fairfield. Artists in each age category will compete for a first prize of $1,000.

The theme of this year’s challenge is to create a work of art that makes a statement about the nation’s 250th anniversary.

"Artists are tasked with bridging America’s past and present in interpretative ways to address this theme," organizers said. "Additionally, participants are required to create art that not only reflects the given theme, but also much have at least one collaborative element from the other age group and incorporate 'America’s 250th' and at least one 'Easter Egg' — a hidden message or reference to Fairfield.

From the announcement:

Eligibility & Entry Details:

Open to student artists, ages 10-19 as well as adults (ages 20+) who either work, reside or attend school in Fairfield.

• Entries are divided into two age categories: 10-19 and 20+. Participants may also work in teams within their age group of up to three people.
  
• All participants must register by January 31st. Participants under age 18 must have a parental or guardian co-sign as project supervisor to oversee and support the process.
  
• Participants must attend one of two planned collaboration station events and incorporate a collaborative element from the other age group.
  
• Participants will be required to include an artist statement as part of their final submission to describe their artwork and the process by which it was made as well as a digital representation of the final submission for public viewing. The statement must include details as to the collaborative element.
  
• All entries must be submitted by March 14, 2026.
  

The Commission encourages participants to push their creative limits, whether through a unique technique or by a mash-up of traditional art forms to create something new. A quick overview of the rules and guidelines can be found here.

To help build community, foster intergenerational collaboration and enrich the creative process, participants will need to attend one of two planned collaboration events to share ideas, insights, techniques and inspirations. The Fairfield Arts Commission will be hosting the first of these collaboration station events on January 15th, from 6-8PM at Fairfield Theatre Company, located at 70 Sanford Street. The event is free to attend, though advance registration is requested. All participants are asked to indicate their attendance plans by registering here.

The Fairfield Arts Commission gratefully acknowledges the continued support of the Connecticut Department of Community & Economic Development, Office of the Arts, in its work. Individuals or businesses that have a passion for the arts and may be interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact the Fairfield Arts Commission at (203) 256-3120 or arts@fairfieldct.org for more information.

About the Fairfield Arts Commission

The Fairfield Arts Commission is an official body of the Town of Fairfield, comprised of nine volunteers appointed by the First Selectman. The purpose of the Fairfield Arts Commission is to stimulate, foster, facilitate and encourage the development and appreciation of artistic and cultural activities within the Town of Fairfield. Following their appointment, the members applied for and received statewide recognition of Fairfield’s first cultural district in June 2025.