Call for Entries — Program Book Cover Artwork

The 50th Head of the Schuylkill Regatta

Deadline to Submit: August 12, 2020

For the fourth year, The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, Philadelphia’s largest and most inclusive regatta, invites artists in the Philadelphia area to submit original artwork to be used as the cover image for the 2020 Regatta Keepsake Program Book. In 2017 the program book cover featured the work of the award-winning artist, Elaine Lisle, through the generosity of Radclyff ‘Mike’ Thompson. Thus, the beginning of the Regatta’s efforts to provide an opportunity for a local artist to show their work with respect to our favorite subjects, rowing and the Schuylkill River!  Cheryl Schlenker’s ‘STROKE’ claimed the cover in 2018.  Last year, Bob Cody was the award-winning cover artist with “Morning Row”.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the regatta. The 2020 HOSR may be unique in light of current safety and health concerns, but we’re looking forward to celebrating our history, the sport, and the future with the entire rowing community, in some very special ways.  With the help of the talented community of artists in the Greater Philadelphia area and beyond, the Keepsake Program Book will continue to connect competitors, spectators, volunteers and supporters with one of the most iconic head races in the country.

Artists are invited to submit up to two images with either rowing and/or the Schuylkill River and/ or Boathouse Row as the subject matter. Images will be reviewed by a small committee consisting of professional designers, artists, and regatta directors. The program book designer will have the option of using a detail of the chosen artwork.  This year, because of COVID-19, the Program Book will be available on-line at www.hosr.org with a limited production of hard copies.  The cover will also be produced as a poster for additional regatta/artist visibility and potential sales opportunity to support the regatta’s important community engagement programs.  In addition, the image will be displayed on the HOSR website and included in posts on HOSR social media platforms. Artists will receive no financial renumeration if chosen. Artwork can be considered a ‘donation’ to the regatta, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization registered in the state of Pennsylvania.

Entry rules:

  • Each artist may submit up to two images, an artist statement, and a short bio. Subject matter must be rowing and/or Schuylkill River and/or Boathouse Row specific.
  • The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta is responsible for all press releases and social media postings and has permission to utilize artwork to promote program book and regatta.
  • There is no fee to submit artwork.
  • Deadline for submission is Monday, August 12, 2020, 11:59PM.
  • Artist notification: Monday, August 24, 2019.

To submit: 

Email images, artist statement and bio to: info@hosr.org with ‘Program Book’ in subject line. All images must be submitted as a jpeg, 2MB maximum file size Identify images: name, title, year art work created, subject matter and any item of interest regarding subject.

Learn more:
Visit www.hosr.org to learn more about the HOSR and view a digital copy of the 2019 Program Book.  Questions may be directed: ncarver528@aol.com

About the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta 

The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta began in 1970 when members of the University Barge Club decided to offer rowers of all ages a congenial race on the historic Schuylkill River. The Regatta’s spirit of inclusion grew along with the size and scope of the event. At a time when only college crews competed in the fall “head” or distance races, the Head of the Schuylkill opened racing to high schools, emerging masters and veteran rowers. The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta now welcomes more than 9,000 competitors, 40,000 spectators, and 350 volunteers each year. The weekend features races for high school, collegiate, masters, adaptive, and elite rowers, and a free two-day Fall Festival amidst the backdrop of the beautiful and historic City of Philadelphia.