In Partnership with

new t-shirt design competition
invites artists to design for dollars

Royal Oak's creative spirit is about to become wearable. In partnership with the Royal Oak Commission for the Arts, Arts, Beats & Eats is launching the inaugural Spirit of Royal Oak T-Shirt Design Competition, a six-week contest inviting artists, designers and creative minds to showcase what makes Royal Oak unique through original T-shirt artwork inspired by the city's energy, culture, events and neighborhoods. 

The competition will award $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place, with both winning designs produced and sold during Arts, Beats & Eats and through select Royal Oak retailers following the festival. Winners will also receive special recognition on the Arts, Beats & Eats main stage from Mayor Fournier, a representative of the Royal Oak Commission for the Arts, on the festival’s main stage before a major national music act performs. 

Adding to the community impact, festival partner Detroit T-Shirt Company will manufacture the shirts at cost and sell them during the festival, helping bring local creativity directly to festivalgoers. Proceeds from sales of the winning designs will benefit the Royal Oak Commission for the Arts and the Royal Oak Civic Foundation, supporting future arts, cultural and community initiatives. 

More than a design contest, the Spirit of Royal Oak T-Shirt Design Competition celebrates the artists and ideas that help define the community. The new initiative offers artists an opportunity to contribute to one of the region’s signature events while celebrating the community’s creativity and character.