Call for Artists: Leave Your Mark on the 2027 Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

Festival Committee Invites Artists to Create the Signature Poster and T-Shirt Design for the 23rd Annual Event

FOLEY, AL – The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Committee is excited to announce a Call for Artists to create the official poster and t-shirt artwork for the 23rd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, taking place in 2027.

This is a unique opportunity for artists to leave a lasting mark on one of the Gulf Coast's most celebrated annual events. The selected artwork will be featured on the festival's official commemorative poster, event merchandise, promotional materials, and marketing campaigns leading up to the 2027 festival.

Artists are invited to submit original artwork that captures the spirit of the Gulf Coast while celebrating the festival's signature blend of hot air balloons, art, music, and coastal culture.

Artwork Requirements

Submitted artwork must meet the following guidelines:

1. Artwork must be the artist's original creation - drawing, painting, graphic design, and/or a combination. AI-generated artwork will not be accepted.

2. Designs should reflect the theme:

   • Hot Air Balloons

   • Art

   • Music

   • The Gulf Coast

3. Artwork must include:

   • 23rd Annual Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

   • 2027

   • Foley, AL

4. Final commissioned poster size will not exceed 18 inches by 24 inches.

5. If selected, the artist agrees to relinquish ownership of the artwork.

6. The selected artwork becomes the sole property of the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival and the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and may be used in any manner deemed appropriate without additional compensation.

7. The selected artist will receive a one-time commission of $500.

The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Artwork may be delivered to:

South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce

200 N. Alston Street

Foley, AL 36535

Or mailed to:

South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 1117

Foley, AL 36536

Artists with questions or those wishing to confirm their participation are encouraged to contact:

Rachel Spear

Director of Events

South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce

(251) 943-5550

Rachel@SouthBaldwinChamber.com

"The artwork selected each year becomes part of the festival's legacy and helps tell the story of our community through creativity," said Rachel Spear, Director of Events for the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce. "We look forward to seeing fresh interpretations that capture the excitement, color, and energy that make the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival such a special experience."

The Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival Committee welcomes submissions from artists of all experience levels and looks forward to showcasing the talent and creativity found throughout the region and beyond.

About the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival

Hosted annually in Foley, Alabama, the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors from across the Southeast. The family-friendly festival features colorful hot air balloons, live entertainment, local artists and vendors, children's activities, and a celebration of the culture and hospitality of Alabama's Gulf Coast. The South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce proudly hosts the festival in partnership with the City of Foley and OWA Parks & Resort.