TOLEDO, April 19, 2024: In honor of 419 Day, the City of Toledo, in partnership with the Arts Commission, is announcing a call for entries for proposed redesigns of the Toledo flag. This initiative aims to engage the community in reimagining the city’s visual identity and unify residents around a flag that reflects Toledo’s spirit and values. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.
A Design Review Board (DRB) composed of community members and design experts will be selected to guide the redesign process. The DRB will meet before the launch of the submission portal to finalize process details and ensure a transparent and inclusive process.
Key dates in the timeline include:
- Early June: Submission portal opens
- July 15: Submissions due
- DRB will narrow down submissions
- September 20: Semi-finalist designs will be displayed at Momentum and online for public input
- DRB will review public feedback and recommend a final design
- January 7, 2025: New flag launch
Individuals must reside in the City of Toledo to participate in this redesign effort. Design submissions will remain anonymous to the committee and the public throughout the process, ensuring a fair and unbiased evaluation of each entry.
A project info session will be held prior to the portal opening to provide more education to participants on the principles of good flag design, including:
- Keep It Simple. The flag should be so simple that a child can draw it from memory.
- Use Meaningful Symbolism. The flag’s images, colors, or patterns should relate to what it symbolizes.
- Use 2 or 3 Basic Colors. Limit the number of colors on the flag to three, which contrast well and come from the standard color set.
- No Lettering or Seals. Never use writing of any kind or an organization’s seal.
- Be Distinctive. Avoid duplicating other flags.
For more information and updates on the Toledo flag redesign project, please visit toledo.oh.gov/flag.