Publications Competition Categories

Judges will have the discretion to move a designated entry into the most appropriate entry category. All entries are automatically eligible for the Frances Smyth-Ravenel Prize for Excellence in Publication Design, which recognizes the “best of show.”

Exhibition Catalogues

Any substantial, non-periodical publication, in any format, designed to accompany a specific exhibit.

Posters

Annual Reports

Books

Any non-periodical publication other than an exhibition catalog: guides, monographs, histories, scholarly works, etc.

Newsletters and Calendar of Events

Any publication issued at regular intervals, primarily informational in content, published in a newspaper or conventional newsletter format. Submit only one copy. Any regular listing of events: posters, informational brochures, pamphlets, leaflets, etc. (Please note: Calendars intended for sale or distribution to the public are not eligible).

Magazines/Scholarly Journals

Any publication issued at regular intervals, primarily informational in content. Submit only one copy.

Invitations to Events

Press Kits, Marketing, and Public Relations Materials

Promotional materials about your institution created for a specific exhibit/event. Submit a complete press kit as it would be given to a member of the media. This could include newspaper or magazine advertisements, media campaigns, etc. (Please note: this category is for publications only. T-shirts, buttons, banners, billboards, etc. are not eligible.)

Fundraising/Membership Materials

Created for a fundraising campaign or a membership promotion. Submit a complete package.

Educational Resources

Printed materials intended to help educators teach about artifacts on display and/or the topic an exhibit discusses. For example, this could include teaching kits or guides, children’s activity books or kits, or material promoting or explaining educational programs.

Exhibition Collateral Materials

Printed materials such as rack cards, brochures, gift items, buttons, or banners that are exhibition-specific.

Institution Materials

Printed materials such as maps, way-finding guides, or general brochures about your institution or that assist visitors in navigation.