The City of Sydney is calling for applications to create a new visual identity system for the Sydney Lunar Festival, set to commence in 2027.

The festival is recognised as one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia, featuring a diverse array of events including street parties, cultural performances, traditional food offerings, lion dances, dragon boat races, and art and light installations.

The new visual identity is required to be original, inspiring, and functional. It must draw inspiration from communities that observe the Lunar New Year. The design should incorporate the zodiac animal for each year from 2027 to 2031, ensuring it is recognisable as the Sydney Lunar Festival. Additionally, it should complement the City of Sydney's brand and be accessible, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.

The visual identity must include primary and secondary logos, a colour palette, typography, graphic elements, motion, animation, and guidelines. Applicants are required to demonstrate a connection with a community and culture that celebrates the Lunar New Year.

The City of Sydney will shortlist up to three applicants, who will then be invited to present their designs. Each finalist will receive $3,000 to develop their proposal further. The successful applicant will be tasked with providing and presenting a minimum of two initial concepts. The City of Sydney will select a preferred concept for refinement and final approval.

A budget of up to $100,000 is allocated for the successful applicant to create, develop, and support the application of the visual identity across all communication materials and touchpoints.

Applications are open from Monday, 29 September to 5pm, Friday, 24 October. Shortlisted applicants will be notified on Wednesday, 19 November.

The City of Sydney has emphasised the potential for artists, creatives, and designers to "breathe new life into one of the biggest Lunar New Year celebrations outside Asia." The city has outlined specific requirements for submissions: "Submissions must: be original, inspiring and functional; draw inspiration from communities that observe the Lunar New Year; incorporate the zodiac animal for each year from 2027 to 2031; be clearly recognisable as Sydney Lunar Festival; complement the City of Sydney's brand; be accessible, inclusive and designed for reuse to ensure environmental sustainability."

The City of Sydney also provides access to a publicly distributed image for editorial purposes only, with restrictions on archiving, commercial use, or third-party distribution without prior written consent.