Conecta tu Arte: Border Artist Design Commission

Overview

Conecta Arizona, an independent news outlet, is launching Conecta tu Arte, a paid commission for artists to design an exclusive product line around border identity. The outlet seeks visual artists, illustrators and graphic designers with a genuine connection to border life and binational culture.

Key dates

• Call opens: August 1, 2026
• Submission deadline: August 30, 2026
• Spring/Summer selection announced: September 15, 2026

Eligibility

Visual artists, illustrators and graphic designers resident in Arizona or Sonora with a genuine connection to border life, community dialogue and binational culture. Emerging and established artists equally welcome.

What we're looking for

Designs must work when printed or embroidered on standard catalogue products such as clothing, mugs, caps, thermoses and postcards, produced on demand with no held inventory.

What will not be accepted

• Jewellery, paintings, crafts or anything requiring custom manufacturing
• Work produced or enhanced with artificial intelligence

Selection and payment

Selection runs in two stages: four artists for the Spring/Summer collection and four more for an Autumn/Winter round. Selected artists receive a one-off payment for approved design(s). That payment covers exclusive, indefinite assignment of commercial use rights so Conecta Arizona can reproduce, promote and sell products carrying the artwork.

After selection

Designs go on sale through the outlet's digital store and at events in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma and northern Sonora. Each piece carries direct credit on the product and the artist receives a profile of their work on the outlet's platforms and store.