The Maryland Symphony Orchestra is inviting local and regional artists to submit original artwork for consideration as cover art for Bravo, the official magazine of the MSO.
This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to celebrating the creativity of our community and building meaningful connections between visual art and live performance.
Selected artwork will appear on the cover of Bravo during the 2026–2027 season and may also be featured in related promotional and marketing materials. Artists whose work is selected will receive compensation, recognition, complimentary concert tickets, and the opportunity to showcase their work to audiences throughout the region.
About Bravo
Bravo serves as both the concert program and seasonal magazine for the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. A new edition is created for each performance weekend and distributed to concertgoers, donors, and community partners.
In addition to program information and artist features, the publication highlights the stories, people, and collaborations that shape the concert experience.
Concert Themes & Opportunities
Artists may submit work for one or multiple concerts. We welcome a wide range of interpretations, including abstract, symbolic, conceptual, and representational work.
Phase 1 Deadline — August 14, 2026
American Icons
Themes of American identity, optimism, strength, landscape, and artistic expression.
Shakespeare in Symphony
Drama, romance, fantasy, storytelling, emotion, and theatrical imagery inspired by Shakespeare.
Home for the Holidays
Seasonal warmth, celebration, tradition, and festive orchestral music.
Phase 2 Deadline — November 13, 2026
Timeless Strings
Elegance, movement, harmony, lyricism, and the expressive beauty of string instruments.
Beethoven: Mastery in Motion
Power, innovation, motion, independence, and creative transformation.
The Art of Sound
Color, imagination, atmosphere, visual storytelling, and the connection between music and visual art.
For full concert details and repertoire, visit the Maryland Symphony Orchestra season page.
Eligible Artwork
We welcome original two-dimensional artwork in a variety of mediums, including:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Mixed media
- Collage
- Digital illustration
Vertical compositions are preferred, though horizontal works will also be considered.
Artist Recognition & Compensation
Selected artists will receive:
- $500 honorarium
- Two complimentary tickets to the featured performance
- Recognition in Bravo
- Social media promotion and artist tagging
- Lobby display of the artwork during the concert weekend
- Opportunity to display approved promotional materials alongside the artwork
Submission Information
Artists may submit up to two pieces per concert.
Please email submissions to:
Chelsie Davis
Director of Marketing
cdavis@marylandsymphony.org
Please include:
- Artist name and contact information
- Concert title for submission
- High-resolution artwork images (JPEG or PNG)
- Medium, dimensions, and year created
- Optional artist statement
Download the Full Call for Artists
For complete submission guidelines, artwork usage details, and policies, please download the full Call for Artists PDF.
By submitting, artists confirm that all work is original, not AI-generated, and does not infringe upon the rights of another artist or entity.