Luga Poster Biennale returns in 2026 for its second edition, reaffirming its position as an international platform dedicated to the reflection, exploration, and celebration of the poster.

Organised by the School of Media Arts and Design of the Polytechnic University of Porto (ESMAD/P.PORTO) and the Research Institute in Design, Media and Culture (ID+), this edition is co-organised by DAG – Asociación Galega de Deseño, with the support of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and R-Typography.

Rooted in the historical and cultural ties between Portugal and Galicia, Luga provides a meeting point for designers, researchers, students, and professionals from around the world, recognising the poster as one of the most significant forms of visual communication and cultural expression.

More than an exhibition event, Luga seeks to foster research, critical thinking, and experimentation around the poster, highlighting its capacity to communicate, challenge, and engage with the public sphere.

The first edition (2024) received more than 1,600 posters, from around 50 countries, submitted in the various categories, which revealed a broad diversity of conceptual and technical approaches and visual languages, demonstrating the breadth and vitality of the global poster design community.

This second edition reinforces Luga's ambition to establish itself as a leading international platform for poster design, promoting cultural exchange between Portugal, Galicia, and the wider international community while encouraging new creative, critical, and experimental approaches.

CATEGORIES

A

CULTURAL

B

POLITICAL/SOCIAL

C

EXPERIMENTAL

D

ANIMATED/MOTION

 

TIMELINE

OPEN CALL

JUL. 2026

DEADLINE

SEP. 15, 2026

EXHIBITION

NOV. 2026

 

 

TERMS OF PARTICIPATION

 

 

DEADLINE

SEP. 15, 2026

23:59, september, 15 (GMT) Lisboa

Eligibility

  • Participation is free of charge.
  • Participants, over 18 years old, can be students, graphic designers, visual artists, photographers, and graphic producers in general.
  • Posters created between september 2024 and september 2026 can be submitted.

Categories

The submitted posters can take participate in the following categories:

    A Cultural
    B Political/social
    C Experimental
    D Animated/motion design

Category C will only accept originals and unpublished posters, not previously printed or published.

Submission

  • Fill out the form and upload the files.
  • Accept the terms and conditions.
  • Check for the online confirmation message.

Submission formats

  • You can submit a total of 5 posters.

Posters in categories A, B and C must be submitted in two formats:

  • Low-resolution poster > jpg, 72 dpi, RGB, minimum width 1200 px, vertical orientation. Maximum weight 3 MB.
  • High-resolution poster > pdf, 300 dpi, RGB, 70 x 100 cm, vertical orientation. Maximum weight 50 MB.

Posters in category D (animated) must be submitted in two formats:

  • Low-resolution poster > jpg, 72 dpi, RGB, size 1080 x 1920 px, vertical orientation. Maximum weight 3 MB.
  • Animated poster > mp4 (h.264 / high bitrate), 1080 x 1920 px, maximum duration 20 seconds (30 fps). Maximum weight 30 MB.

File naming: category_name_surname_postertitle.jpg
Ex: A_Name_Surname_Millennials.jpg
Ex: A_Name_Surname_Millennials.pdf

Selection

  • The jury consists of a panel of international designers who will determine the winning posters during selection phase.
  • The official announcement of the selected posters will be made on October 31 on the Luga website.
  • All submissions will be notified by e-mail.

Printing

The organization is responsible for printing all posters.

General conditions/image and reproduction rights

  • The organization is authorized to reproduce and include the posters in publications, exhibitions and media.
  • All posters will become part of the archive and heritage of the Luga Poster Biennale.

Winners/selected

For each category, three awards will be given:

  • One “best of the category”
  • Two “honorable mentions”
  • The awards will only be made public on the opening day of the Luga Poster Biennale.
  • The distinguished designers will be notified in advance via e-mail.

Awards

Best of category

  • Trophy
  • Publication
  • Certificate
  • Accommodation (opening)

Honorable mentions

  • Trophy
  • Publication
  • Certificate

CONTACTS

TELEPHONE
+351 252 291 700
ADDRESS
ESMAD/P.PORTO. R. D. Sancho I, 981. 4480-876 Vila do Conde. Porto. Portugal
SOCIAL