First Bloem Festival Artwork Competition 2026

First bloem 2026 - the tulip time festival poster competition

Tulip Time is pleased to announce the 2026 First Bloem Festival Artwork Competition, through which a work of art is selected for the official Tulip Time poster. In addition to the poster, the artwork is used on merchandise to be sold by Tulip Time.

TO DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS/SUBMISSION FORM CLICK HERE

ABOUT THE PROCESS

First Bloem invited artists in Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo counties to submit artwork for the official Festival Artwork Competition and a Viewers' Choice Award. Artists could submit up to three works. Artists may submit up to three (3) works for a single-entry fee of $35.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Tulip Time's poster program began in 1982. Its long-standing history has produced a beautiful collection representing the festival and the Holland community. The poster is an integral part of Tulip Time, and the marketability of the artwork is one of the prime considerations in the selection of the winner. Tulip Time reserves the right to alter the artwork for merchandising purposes.

THE JUROR AND SELECTION PROCESS

This year's juror, Catherine Mott, will judge the submitted pieces and select the Top 20. She is the Assistant Director at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Her leadership team recently completed a $15.6 million Capital Campaign to expand the 113-year-old museum, making room for a newly acquired collection of 150 works by women artists. Cathy has been the project manager for numerous large grants, has worked with many internationally recognized artists, and has taken the lead on creating inclusive and representational exhibitions/programming. She strives to make the MMA accessible to all, ultimately cultivating the next generation of art lovers/museum goers.

The official Festival Artwork will be selected from this Top 20 by Tulip Time Festival, Inc.

THE VIEWERS' CHOICE AWARD

After the winner is selected and revealed in early 2026, the remaining 19 of the finalists' original works will be placed on display during Tulip Time (May 2-8, 2026). A voting system will be used for the public to vote on their favorite artwork. The winner will be announced at the end of the festival (date and location to be announced).

Cash Awards

2026 Poster Winner: $1,000 cash prize
Festival Viewer's Choice Award: $500 cash prize

IMPORTANT DATES

Oct. 3-4, 2025 Artwork due and dropped off at Tulip Time office
Oct. 17, 2025 Top 20 artists notified
Late February 2026 First Bloem Reveal Party (poster winner announced)
May 3-9, 2026 Top 20 exhibit and Viewers' Choice voting
May 9, 2026 Viewers' Choice Award Reception