COLUMBIA, MO (January 26, 2011) -

The city’s Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) is accepting entries for its annual commemorative poster. Artists residing in Missouri are eligible to apply. An award of $1,000 will be presented to the artist for the right to reproduce artwork for the poster.

The postmark deadline for applications is March 25. Applications are available on the OCA’s website at www.GoColumbiaMo.com/Arts/ (select the “Artist Opportunity: Commemorative Poster” link to access guidelines and the application form). To receive a hard copy of the application, contact the OCA.

Work in all media will be considered. Artists may submit up to 10 images of existing or newly created artwork for consideration. Works should communicate the vitality and beauty of mid-Missouri and the significance of the arts.

The OCA has produced a commemorative poster each year since 1992. The poster is unveiled annually at a get-together of arts enthusiasts in August, and is available for purchase year-round at the OCA, 1 S. Seventh Street, and at both Deck the Walls locations in Columbia. Images of previous posters and a listing of past artists are available on the OCA’s website (see the link for the “Commemorative Poster Gallery”).

Columbia’s commemorative poster is a program of the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs and is produced with financial assistance from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.