Barrington is rebranding itself. 

Barrington officials recently announced a town logo design contest. Barrington Town Manager Phil Hervey said the idea for the contest surfaced a few months ago when officials began reviewing the town seal. 

Hervey said the seal, which features a shield and a broad sword, seems a bit outdated and is not reflective of the community. He said a new logo for Barrington could project a “positive, more inclusive and relevant image to the community, visitors and potential new businesses.”

“We’re looking at keeping the seal and using it in tandem with a logo that is more modern,” Hervey said during an interview last week.

The Town Manager said the seal, which dates back to the 1930s, may still be featured on the police and firefighter uniforms and on some other materials, such document stamps used by the Town Clerk, and on the town flag.

When asked where the new logo would be used, Hervey said “We’ll make that determination later. Most likely we’ll start with simple low- to no-cost updates such as the town website, newsletter, social media accounts, town letterhead, business cards.”

Contest details

Hervey said Barrington is following the lead of some other communities that recently rebranded themselves. He referenced Pawtucket and Fall River, Mass.

Hervey appointed a Rebranding Advisory Committee which will oversee the logo design contest. That committee will judge submissions, selecting up to six finalists. Those designs will go before the public — a townwide vote will determine the winner. 

Hervey said the town is working with a professional graphic artist who will modify each of the finalist’s designs so that they will fit the needs of a new logo. 

The design contest is open to all Barrington residents and former residents, Hervey said. 

“I do know we have a lot of talented artists and a lot of budding talented artists,” Hervey said. 

Design entries can be submitted digitally or in traditional mediums, such as paint, pencil and marker.

“Artists are asked to incorporate the unique character and history of Barrington, but must make sure that their design is simple enough to be easily replicated in black and white; is easy to view from a distance; and can be translated into multiple formats,” stated a press release from the town. 

The artist whose design is chosen as the winner will receive a $500 prize. The five runners-up will receive $100 each.

“The winner will also be provided with merchandise featuring the new logo,” stated the release. 

The contest entry form and submission guidelines can be found at www.barrington.ri.gov/logocontest and anyone under the age of 18 needs parental consent to enter. Entries must be received by noon on Sept. 29.