The SEMC Publication Design Competition recognizes and rewards excellence in graphic design in Southeastern museum publications. The competition encourages communication, effective design, creativity and pride of work, and recognition of institutional image and identity. Winning entries will be displayed at SEMC’s Annual Meeting and featured on the SEMC website.

ENTRY RULES:

a) Entries must have been published between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
b) Open to SEMC active institutional and/or corporate members. Please verify your Membership status.
c) Up to 3 entries may be submitted in any one category (24 entries maximum)
d) The deadline for submissions is a postmark deadline of June 30, 2025.


There is a one-time $45 entry fee for 2025 competitions.


Entry Categories: Entries for each institutional category are judged in 8 entry categories. Up to 3 entries may be submitted in any one category (24 entries maximum).

- Gallery Guides (modest brochure or several-page formats)
- Books and Catalogs (book-length volumes)
- Brochures and Rack Cards
- Invitations
- Posters
- Mailers & Calendars of Events (submit full year’s series)
- Magazines & Newsletters (submit full year's series)
- Annual Reports (includes digital annual reports)
- Campaign (must include three or more pieces related to one project from different design categories – e.g., catalog, rack card, invitation, poster related to one exhibition)

Entry Requirements:
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ONLINE SUBMISSION FORM BELOW! Once completed and submitted, you will receive a submission confirmation email with the details of your entry.

The following are required to complete the entry:
a) Include one copy of all materials.
b) Submit the completed Publication Design Competition Entry Form (below). Please include a copy of your confirmation email with your mailed materials.
c) An institution may enter up to three works in as many categories as desired (24 entries maximum).
d) If more than one entry is submitted, the total number must be specified in the Entry Form’s “Entry Number” (e.g., 2 of _)
e) Submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed postage-paid mailer at the submission.

Mail to:

SEMC 2025 Publication Competitions c/o
Christian Edwards, 2025 Publication Competition Chair
Assistant Keeper
NC Collection Gallery, Wilson Library, UNC
Campus Box 3930
PO Box 8890
Chapel Hill, NC 27515
(919) 843-3918

USPS, Fed Ex, or UPS

Jurors: A panel representing the museum and graphic design fields will judge the competition.

Awards: Each category may have a Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mention award as deemed appropriate by the judges. One award-winning piece will be chosen as “Best of Show.” Judges also have the right not to award in any category. Winning entries will be recognized at the 2025 Annual Meeting (October 20-22, 2025, Montgomery, Alabama) and in the Winter 2026 edition of Inside SEMC.

For more information, contact: Christian Edwards, 2024 Publication Competition Chair, (919) 843-3918, cede@email.unc.edu or Zinnia Willits, SEMC Executive Director, (404) 814-2048 zwillits@semcdirect.net