United States International Poster Biennial 2027

The US International Poster Biennial is a global poster competition held every two years, celebrating poster design with cultural, social, academic and professional purpose. The 2027 edition, its third, opened on 1 August 2026 and accepts posters until 28 February 2027. Every category has a professional and a student division, and selected posters will be exhibited in July 2027. The biennial is a non-profit founded in May 2022 and endorsed by the International Biennial Collective Committee (IBCC). The 2025 edition received 11,845 entries from 95 countries.

Categories at the US International Poster Biennial

• A — Social posters on social issues
• B — Cultural posters for culture, events and institutions
• C — Motion animated posters, in partnership with Artivive
• D — Chicago 190, with the Design Museum of Chicago
• E — LA United Through Sports

Each category is judged separately for professionals and for students, with Gold, Silver and Bronze awards in each.

Who Can Enter the US International Poster Biennial?

Designers and students from any country can enter. Posters must have been created between 5 May 2025 and 28 February 2027. There is no limit on the number of entries per participant.

Entry Requirements

Upload each poster as a vertical JPG of 700 × 1000 pixels, no larger than 2000 KB. If your poster is selected, you will be asked for a final print file at 24 × 36 inches, vertical, for the exhibitions. For the Motion category, put a public link to the animation (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive or similar) in the Entry Title field of the upload form, and make sure it can be viewed without a login.

Entry Fee

The call page does not state an entry fee. Check the upload form on the entry platform before you submit to confirm whether a fee applies.

Why Enter the US International Poster Biennial?

Poster biennials are a respected way for graphic designers to show their work internationally, and selection for an exhibition is a strong portfolio credential. Themed categories such as Chicago 190 and LA United Through Sports give a clear brief to respond to, which can lead to fresh work.

Responding to the Themes

Chicago 190 relates to the city of Chicago and is run with the Design Museum of Chicago. LA United Through Sports invites posters on sport and community in Los Angeles. Read each brief on the call page and look for an idea that is specific rather than generic: posters that say one thing clearly tend to stand out.

Designing for the Small Entry File

The jury first sees your poster at 700 × 1000 pixels on a screen. Check that type is still legible and the idea still reads at that size. Strong contrast, a clear hierarchy and a single focal point help. Keep the full-resolution file ready for the 24 × 36 inch print.

Student Entries

Students compete only with students, which makes the biennial a realistic target for a strong class project. Ask your tutor to review your selection before you enter, and enter several pieces if you have them.

Building a Poster Practice

Many designers make posters for biennials as personal projects alongside client work. A themed call is a good excuse to experiment with type, image and colour without a client brief. Set yourself a short deadline, make several versions and pick the strongest. Because entries are unlimited, you can also enter posters made earlier, as long as they were created after 5 May 2025.

Printing for the Exhibition

If you are selected, you will need a print-ready file at 24 × 36 inches. Design at that size from the start, or at least check early that your images and type will hold up when enlarged. Low-resolution photos and thin lines are the most common problems when a poster made for the screen is printed large.

Things to Consider

• Professional and student divisions in every category.
• Unlimited entries.
• Motion posters need a public link.
• Deadline: 28 February 2027.

Enter the Biennial

Ready to put your posters in front of the jury?

Enter the US International Poster Biennial

Categories, file requirements and rules are on the US International Poster Biennial website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: November 7, 2026