FURNITURE: A Call for Works About Extensions of Architecture

About the Open Call

FURNITURE is a call for artwork about the objects that make a space suitable for living—about its use, its design, its crafting, or about the events and work in our lives that happen around it. It is open to both examples of furniture, as well as work made with, about, or depicting it. Eligibility: FURNITURE is open to everyone internationally. The only limitation is that entries must represent original works which address the broad theme described above. Media: Open to all traditional and non-traditional genre and media. Manifest's carefully assembled juries change from project to project, and have no collective predisposition towards any particular kind or style of art. Size Limit: Manifest has no size restrictions on submissions other than what can fit in our spaces, on our walls, and through our door. Artists considering submitting who have work which may exceed these limits are welcome to contact us to inquire about specific limits (info@manifestgallery.org). Date Restrictions: Manifest has no requirements on timeframe when submitted works must have been made. Exhibiting Artist Honoraria: Each participating exhibitor will receive a $50 honorarium. $9,000 in Grand Jury Awards: Since Manifest's 13th season the annual Grand Jury Award has recognized one exhibited work each year with a significant jury-determined cash prize. The Grand Jury Award format now results in the awarding of $1,000 to one work during each of our nine exhibition periods. This expands our support from one to up to nine exhibiting artists each year. Submission of Images: Manifest accepts only digital images/files for consideration. Hi-Res, print-quality images will be requested for accepted works upon conclusion of the jury process. All entry files must be named with artist's last name (underscore)first name, followed by the entry number (e.g., Jones_Mike_1.jpg). Detail images must include 'detail' in the filename (e.g., Jones_Mike_1detail1.jpg). Images should be in HIGH QUALITY JPEG format, no smaller than 1000 pixels in any direction and be 72 dpi. For video/motion/interactive entries, provide a link to a viewable online copy of each work AND a single representative jpeg image. Video links should be provided on the entry form and link directly to online or downloadable content that does NOT require a login, password or membership. Agreement to Participate: Submitting the entry form indicates that you agree with the conditions of entry and exhibit, reserving spots in our jury, agreeing to send the entry fee, and agreeing to make your work available and will ship/deliver it to the gallery should it be selected for exhibit. Publication: Manifest produces a high-quality hard-cover publication documenting each entire season of exhibits, artists, and works shown. Exhibiting Artists will have the option of purchasing one copy of the MEA at half price. All solo exhibitors receive a copy for free. Delivery and Return of Work: All work accepted for the exhibition must arrive ready to install. Works not gallery-ready, or not exhibiting good craftsmanship, may be omitted. Shipped works must be sent in an easily reusable container/packaging with return shipping prepaid. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs to and from the gallery. Insurance: Works will be insured while on gallery premises for theft, vandalism, damage caused by gallery patrons or staff. Insurance does not cover damage caused during shipping or by failure of the work itself. Sale of Artwork: Artworks are not required to be for sale. Manifest Gallery will retain a commission of 30% of the sale price on all artwork sold during the exhibition. Artists set the sale price on the entry form, and status cannot be changed after the deadline. Calendar: Deadline to Submit: August 17, 2025. Notifications sent by email: September 29. Artwork due to Manifest: November 1. Opening Reception: November 7. Final Day of Exhibition: December 5. Pick-up hand-delivered work: December 6-13. Schedule shipped artwork for pickup: December 10.

What is Offered

Each participating exhibitor receives a $50 cash honorarium. $9,000 in Grand Jury Awards will be distributed, with $1,000 awarded to one work during each of the nine exhibition periods. Exhibiting artists have the option to purchase one copy of the season MEA (Manifest Exhibition Annual) at half price. Solo exhibitors receive a free copy. Works can be offered for sale, with artists receiving 70% commission on sales. Works are insured while on gallery premises.

Requirements

Entries must be original works addressing the theme of 'FURNITURE.' Open to all traditional and non-traditional art genres and media. No general size restrictions beyond fitting the gallery space. No restrictions on when works were made. Accepted works must arrive ready to install, exhibiting professional-level presentation and craftsmanship. Artists must agree to make their work available and ship/deliver it to the gallery if selected. Digital images must meet specified format and naming conventions. Video submissions require online links without login/password.

How to Apply

Submit via the online entry form found at https://www.manifestgallery.org/season22/furniture/entry/index.html. Pay the non-refundable entry fee ($45 for up to three entries, $5 per additional entry) by U.S. check or money order payable to MANIFEST, or by credit card via PayPal using the link provided after submitting the online entry form. Upload digital images/files to the project Dropbox using the link provided after entry form submission or via email. For video or interactive submissions, provide a link to a viewable online copy of each work in the 'VIEWING LINK' section of the entry form, along with a single representative JPEG image uploaded to the Dropbox. Ensure all digital image files are named according to specifications (last name_first name_entry number.jpg) and meet resolution requirements (min 1000 pixels, 72 dpi).