Poster Competition

2027 Artwork Competition is now open.

Each year, one artist is selected to produce artwork that will be featured on the Pacific Rim Whale Festival poster. This competition is open to residents in Vancouver Island including youth, students, & professional and emerging artists.

Submission Guidelines: Submissions will be in the form of a portfolio of up to five pieces of artwork. Submissions should feature Grey Whales. Digital format is preferred (JPEG, PNG, PDF); however, hard copies are also welcome. The final poster artwork does not need to be sent by this deadline, see requirements below.

Design Implementation: The commissioned artwork will become the property of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society and will be used as the poster image for the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. The final poster will feature festival information (title, dates, etc), and adhere to Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society specifications for final production.

Submission Requirements:

Submit your portfolio via email to info@pacificrimwhalefestival.com in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format with the subject line “Poster Artist Competition”
Include a one-page resume
Include a half-page design rationale explaining your vision for the poster art
Portfolios must be submitted by Midnight on November 9th, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Mail submissions will be accepted but are not preferred. Submissions may be mailed to Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society, PO Box 955, Ucluelet, BC, V0R 3A0

*Please do not mail originals. Submissions will not be returned.

Selection Process: The Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society Board of Directors will view portfolios and select the winning artist. The selected artist will be announced at the 2026 PRWF AGM.

Prize: $500 awarded in 2 payments: $250 upon signed contract; $250 upon delivery of approved artwork.

About the 2026 Poster Artist: Olivia O’ Grady

Born in 1996, Olivia is a Tofino-based multidisciplinary artist and illustrator who is inspired by women in the wild.

Her work often explores the connection between people and the natural world, incorporating vibrant colors and designs that reflect West Coast life. Olivia’s collaborations are seen throughout the West Coast community.

We are thrilled to celebrate Olivia’s talent and will have posters available at the festival. If you want to see more of Olivia’s work check out her instagram page @creature.of.co and she will be selling art at the PRWF Community Pop-up Market, March 14th.

Button Competition

Before each festival, local school children from Tofino & Ucluelet submit artwork to be featured on one of twelve selected buttons which can be purchased at events. By purchasing one of these buttons you gain entry to all the various Button Events throughout the festival!