Cortez creatives, this is your time to shine. The city of Cortez is inviting local artists and designers to try their hand at designing a commemorative logo that will mark a significant point in Cortez’s history.
In 2026, it will not only be the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it will also be the 150th anniversary of Colorado becoming an official state and the 140th anniversary of Cortez.
The design competition is open to everyone who lives in or has ties to Cortez, no matter their age or experience, and includes those who go to school in Cortez, own a business, participate in a community organization, have family members in Cortez or live in Cortez themselves.
Entries will be accepted from Thursday, April 10 to Tuesday, May 27. The winners will be presented to the Cortez City Council during their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. First place will receive $500, second place will receive $200 and third place $100. There will also be a youth prize for $200.
The designs will be evaluated and selected by a committee. The following criteria must be met, according to the city: striking design but easily recognizable; visually appealing on both small and large scales; unique while unmistakably from the Cortez; reproducible in a variety of material types, including stickers, murals, T-shirts, etc.; square or circular in shape; ability to be presented in both full color and black and white and highlights the unique heritage of Cortez and the surrounding area, including the extensive history of peoples who have lived in region for centuries.
They also ask that entries avoid a “long, stretched-out design.”
The winning design will be featured in marketing campaigns across Cortez during the 140th celebration, and local businesses, organizations and community members will be invited and encouraged to download the design from the city’s website to be used in their products and events during 2026. The design will be available to download for free.
Full guidelines can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/4wxvst6d and the application can be accessed at https://tinyurl.com/49nzufd3.
Questions about the competition can be directed to Helen West, community and economic development specialist, at (970) 331-0213 or via email at hwest@cortezco.gov.
