Design Competition for Gloucester, Massachusetts’ 400th Anniversary Commemorative Medal is Now Open

Gloucester, MA – February 4, 2019 – Gloucester Celebrations, Inc., the official organizers of Gloucester, Massachusetts’ 400th-anniversary celebration, today announced the city’s first International Commemorative Medal Design Competition. Open to amateur and professional designers alike, this competition continues one of Gloucester’s long-held historic traditions. Detailed rules, schedule, and entry requirements are available for review on the event’s website, www.GloucesterMA400.com.

“It is no accident that this design competition kicks off our preparations for Gloucester’s 400th anniversary. The creative arts have consistently played an integral role in our city’s heritage,” said Bruce Tobey, tri-chair of Gloucester Celebrations. “Over the centuries, Gloucester has been built by people from every continent. It has been this rich diversity among our people – their courage, innovation, and creativity — that has fueled Gloucester’s development since 1623 and produced the extraordinary fishermen, artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs who have made us a great city. To honor our global heritage, we decided this year to open the design competition to artists worldwide for the very first time.”

The Gloucester400™ International Commemorative Medal Design Competition
Commemorative medals have been a time-honored part of Gloucester’s historic celebrations for over a century, including the city’s 300th, 350th, and 375th anniversaries. Long-time residents, as well as collectible medal and coin aficionados around the world, are already looking forward to the new medal marking the city’s quadricentennial.

Phases I and II. Judging will take place in two “Phases.” The design competition is accepting entries now for Phase I. In Phase I, artists upload an original sketch of their design to the GloucesterMA400.org website. Phase I design submissions close on August 31, 2019.  Three semifinalist designs will be selected from the Phase I entries and progress to Phase II. Each semifinalist will receive a cash award of $3,000 (USD).

Phase II is the final stage of the competition. In Phase II, the semifinalists’ designs are to be submitted as three-dimensional plaster models. Phase II closes on December 1, 2019. The final winner will be announced in February 2020. The winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000 (USD) and his or her initials will appear on the final medal.

Complete Rules and Requirements. All artists are encouraged to consult the complete rules, instructions, and requirements that are available for review and download on the Gloucester400 website.

Gloucester, Massachusetts, America’s oldest seaport, will be “400 years young” in 2023. To celebrate its past, honor its people, and welcome its promising future, the city has already begun preparations for celebrating this historic milestone and organizing the year-long celebration of its anniversary. The theme of the quadricentennial is Gloucester: Our People, Our Stories™ and focuses on celebrating Gloucester’s history through the stories of the people who lived, sacrificed, rejoiced, worked, built, and innovated together – at times risking everything — since 1623.

To guide these efforts, the citizens of Gloucester, working collaboratively with the City, established Gloucester Celebrations, Inc., a steering committee led by three members of the community whose deep knowledge of the area, its people, and its businesses, coupled with their many years of exceptional public service, uniquely qualify them to facilitate and organize an exceptional year of festivities. The tri-chairs of Gloucester Celebrations are businessperson Ruth Pino, bank president Robert Gillis, and former mayor, city councilman, and career public servant Bruce Tobey.

“Throughout the year 2023, programs and events of all kinds will highlight Gloucester’s rich history and heritage, encompassing its extraordinary art and culture, remarkable industrial achievements, and spectacular natural resources,” explained Ruth Pino, tri-chair. “These events will be staged by many residents and organizations throughout the community, creating opportunities for everyone to celebrate Gloucester in ways that are most meaningful to them.”

“Our job is to provide the support, guidance, and encouragement Gloucester’s residents and businesses need to hold successful celebrations that are meaningful to them and the community,” continued Robert Gillis, tri-chair. “Gloucester’s history is extensive and exciting. Our 400th-anniversary celebration provides the opportunity to showcase and celebrate the rich history of this community and its people. I know I speak for all three of us when I say how privileged we feel to be a part of it.”