RC50: A City in Focus

The City of Rancho Cucamonga is seeking original photography by local community members. RC50: A City in Focus is a citywide photography exhibition celebrating the City’s 50th Anniversary by showcasing the people, places, and stories that define our community. Through a public call for photography submissions, residents, local photographers, and community members will have the opportunity to share their unique perspectives of Rancho Cucamonga.  

The original photograph submissions can be in one of the following file types PDF, .ai, .psd, TIFF or JPEG. TIFF and JPEG need to be a minimum of 150 DPI and a minimum of 2,000 pixels. The final digital photograph will then be integrated into an exhibit layout by a third-party vendor. 

Selected artists will be paid a $200 stipend. Applicants may submit one (1) entry. Open to all ages (with parent/guardian permission for minors). 

Call Summary 

The City of Rancho Cucamonga is seeking original photography by local community members. RC50: A City in Focus is a citywide photography exhibition celebrating the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s 50th Anniversary by showcasing the people, places, and stories that define our community. Through a public call for photography submissions, residents, local photographers, and community members will have the opportunity to share their unique perspectives of Rancho Cucamonga.  

The original photograph submissions can be in one of the following file types PDF, .ai, .psd, TIFF or JPEG. TIFF and JPEG need to be a minimum of 150 DPI and a minimum of 2,000 pixels. The final digital photograph will then be integrated into an exhibit layout by a third-party vendor. 

Selected artists will be paid a $200 stipend. 

Applicants may submit one (1) entry. 

Open to all ages (with parent/guardian permission for minors).  

A jury panel will select 50 photographs to be displayed throughout the City, creating an accessible experience that connects residents and visitors to the diverse character of our community. The project celebrates 50 years of growth, history, and community through the lens of those who call Rancho Cucamonga home. 

Estimated Timeline  

Project Timeline:  

• Call for Artists Launch: October 1, 2026
• Application Submission Deadline: December 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT), or earlier if 200 applications are received (whichever occurs first)
• Art Selection Panel Judging: January 4 – 25, 2027
• Artist(s) Selected: February 1, 2027

Budget: Selected artists will receive a $200 stipend. 

Geographic Eligibility Requirements: This is an open call, but preference will be given to applicants who work, reside, or attend school in the Inland Empire Region  

Artists of selected artwork understand and agree to the following: Selected photographs will be digitally applied to display banners. Art is applied to functioning equipment that may need repair or replacement. No guarantee is issued for the location or longevity of display.  

Project Description  

The City of Rancho Cucamonga invites photographers of all experience levels to submit original photographs that capture the spirit, character, and stories of our community in celebration of the City’s 50th Anniversary. Selected photographs will become part of a citywide exhibition featuring 50 images displayed in public spaces throughout Rancho Cucamonga.   

The original photograph submissions can be in one of the following file types PDF, .ai, .psd, TIFF or JPEG. TIFF and JPEG need to be a minimum of 150 DPI and a minimum of 2,000 pixels. Final artworks will then be integrated into an exhibit layout by a third-party vendor. All designs will be printed on display banners by a third-party vendor. 

Themes  

The artist has the discretion to submit a photo showcasing the people, places, and stories that define our Rancho Cucamonga community:  

• Community – People and everyday moments, our neighborhoods and landmarks, celebrations and traditions
• Rancho Cucamonga – History
• Topography of the land – Natural and artificial physical features in our community
• Nature – Plants and animals native to the region

Photograph will be evaluated and selected by an Art Selection Panel chosen by the City of Rancho Cucamonga. Artists will be notified by February 1, 2027 if their work is selected. Initial art submissions should be submitted through the application portal in JPEG or PDF file types. Print-quality artwork will be requested upon selection. 

If your photograph is selected:  

• Artist will submit print-quality artwork to the City in one of the following file types: JPEG, PDF, .ai, .psd, TIFF
• Image resolution: Artwork/images must be a minimum of 150dpi, for JPEG and TIFF files a minimum of 2,000 pixels at the widest or tallest point of the artwork depending on orientation)
• Selected photographs may be displayed both in person at various community locations and events throughout the anniversary year and digitally on the RC50: A City in Focus – Community Photography Exhibition website.

1. Community Connection Statement (100 words maximum) What does Rancho Cucamonga mean to you? 
   Is there a personal story or memory connected to this image? 
   
   Community Connection Statement will be reviewed based on the following:  Ability to effectively communicate their connection to Rancho Cucamonga and how closely the proposed artwork meets the goals set out in the Call for Artists. 
    
2. Complete the following prompt: My Rancho Cucamonga is… (3 words maximum)

RC50: A City in Focus — Community Photography Exhibition 

Artist Eligibility  

• Open to all ages (with parent/guardian permission for minors)
• Artist must reside in the Inland Empire region
• Artist does not need to have completed a project with a similar budget, scale, or scope to apply
• Current employees of the City are not eligible to apply for this Call for Artists
• Applicants may submit one (1) entry