Artist Opportunities

“Once Upon a Plano” Storytelling Contest

Are you a storyteller with a passion for history? Do you love concocting fables, fabrications and tall tales?

The Downtown Plano Arts District is seeking writers to contribute original historical fiction to “Once Upon a Plano,” a storytelling series celebrating Plano. This is an opportunity to weave engaging, fictional stories that incorporate real elements of our city’s rich past. The authors of the 8-10 winning stories will each receive a cash prize of $500.

Submission Details:
•    Theme: Fictional stories about Plano’s history, with at least one reference to an actual Plano person, place or event from any point in time. Stories can be funny, scary, serious – any genre, as long as they’re entertaining!
•    Length: 750-1,200 words per story.
•    Writers may submit multiple stories.
•    Illustration: Each selected story will eventually be paired with a unique illustration created by a local artist.
•    Performance: Each selected story will be eventually be performed as part of a storytelling tour, so try to make your story as theatrical as possible.

Who Can Apply:
•    Applicants must be age 18 or older.
•    Applicants can reside anywhere in the US.

Submit your story at http://bit.ly/OnceUponAPlano

Submissions are due by 11:59 pm May 5, 2025. Winners will be notified by May 23, 2025.

If you’re looking for a little historical inspiration, the following resources may help guide you:
•    The Heritage Farmstead Museum
•    Plano Conservancy for Historic Preservation
•    Plano African American Museum
•    Genealogy Center at Haggard Library

If you have trouble accessing the entry form, please email [email protected].

Downtown Plano Street Banner Design Contest

The Downtown Plano Arts District is looking for talented youth to showcase their creativity in our first-ever Street Banner Design Contest. Youth ages 5-18 are invited to submit original artwork reflecting the theme “Springtime in Downtown Plano.” The eight artists selected to have their artwork displayed on banners throughout Downtown Plano will each receive $100.


Who can participate:
• Youth ages 5-18
• Artist must reside within Plano ISD boundaries

How to submit:
• Artwork should be sized to fit a 8×12” canvas or fill a letter-size piece of paper.
• Submit DIGITAL artwork at: bit.ly/DowntownBannerSpring2025
• Submit PHYSICAL artwork by dropping it off with staff at La Foofaraw, Bibliobar, Ten 20 Art Gallery or Municipal Center labeled “ATTN: Michelle Hawkins.” Please include your child’s name and age, and parent’s contact information on the back.
• All artwork must be received by 11:59 pm April 16.

Winners will be notified by May 1. Artwork will not be returned.

If you have trouble accessing the entry form, please email [email protected].