The City of Vancouver amends poster design contest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after outreach from the RGD

Following outreach and consultation from the RGD, and our colleagues at DesCan, the City of Vancouver has amended its speculative poster contest to requirements that show an alternative model with both spec work (a competition) and one that showcases a past work (portfolio) and a statement.

We met representatives of the FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver™ Host Committee to discuss concerns regarding a design contest. The city shared that community engagement and FIFA stipulations drove their contest setup, while the RGD highlighted ethical considerations and the need for a fair, participatory framework. 

The RGD responded with suggestions for amending the contest to allow RGD Members to participate and still address the needs of the City of Vancouver and FIFA. We had requested that there be a commitment to select at least two of the portfolio-based submissions as finalists. Unfortunately, that recommendation has not been adopted, so we have concerns that only those entries that are completed posters may end up being selected.

Additionally, City staff indicated that FIFA had recommended the contest, so we might expect a similar situation in Toronto, another FIFA World Cup host city. The RGD has contacted the City of Toronto to ensure a similar contest is not being organized. We are waiting to connect directly, but we have been told that City of Toronto staff are aware of the outcry in Vancouver based on the media that the RGD organized there.

Yesterday, we received a response that informed us that they thought our suggestion for an alternative model “was a great idea.” They have been working to see which elements they could “make work.”

Amendments to the Poster Competition include some of our suggestions, namely that they will accept entries that do not include original visual concepts and will now also consider entries with a portfolio and a statement as evidence of capabilities.

RGD Members who are interested in submitting portfolios for consideration can express their interest by September 27 via the Bids Opportunities page or the City’s Supplier Portal.

Responding to client requests for spec work and unethical requirements is an important part of the RGD’s efforts to advocate for the value of design. When you come across something questionable, email us at nospec@rgd.ca.