License Plate Competition Guidelines
Thank you for your interest in protecting New Mexico’s acequias. We’re excited to showcase your creativity on our new license plate! For more information on entering this competition, keep reading. If you’re interested in reading our press release on this matter, click here.
The NMAC License Plate Competition is free to enter and open to all creatives who love and care about protecting acequias.
Competition Start Date: August 22, 2023
Competition End Date: September 25, 2023 at 5:00 PM MST (Late submissions not accepted.)
Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any US copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement), that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted.
To qualify, artwork must meet the following criteria:
Must be an original idea that celebrates the role of acequias in New Mexico
Dimensions: 4.125" (h) x 3.125" (w)
The design must be submitted in a high-quality vector image (SVG file) format*
If the artwork is manually sketched, artist must be willing to work with our team to make it applicable for the license plate
To qualify, taglines must meet the following criteria:
Must be an original tagline that celebrates or plays on the role of acequia in New Mexico
Must not be explicit or suggestive in nature
Creatives must submit a signed copy of the Artist Release Form to certify the originality of the piece and permit NMAC to use the materials for the NMAC Specialty License Plate (and other marketing materials) as needed.
To submit artwork, please email ashleyannarellanes@gmail with “[Creative’s Name] - License Plate Competition Entry” in the subject line.
Each first place winner, chosen by the New Mexico Acequia Commission at their September board meeting, will be compensated $250.00** and will have their artwork/tagline featured on the new NMAC Specialty License Plate. The plate will be available for purchase from the NM MVD (and partners) from 2024 - 2027.
Example license plate
For questions, important dates, and any other information regarding the 2023 NMAC License Plate Competition, please contact: Ashley Arellanes - ashleyannarellanes@gmail.com / (505) 617-5995.
*If artists are unfamiliar with SVG image format, artists may submit a scanned copy of a hand-drawn image instead; **Two competitions are being held—one for the logo art and another for the tagline. Contestants may enter one or both categories of competition.
NOTE: In order for your submission to be considered, artists must submit their artwork and/or tagline along with the Artist Release Form via email to ashleyannarellanes@gmail.com no later than September 25, 2023.