THE MANIFEST PRIZE

About the Open Call

The Manifest Prize, now in its 16th year, has been increased to a $10,000 award. This initiative aims to directly support artists, alongside honorariums for every exhibitor and Grand Jury Awards each season. The prize is open to works of ANY media, ANY genre/style, and ANY size. The jury process has no stylistic or media-based preference or bias. Works submitted must have been completed within the past five years (2020-2025 for the 16th Manifest Prize). The winning work must be available for exhibition from early December through mid-January to be eligible for the prize. Works may be listed as not for sale; if offered for sale, the artist receives 70%. The selection involves a multi-round, blind jury process by an anonymous 7-15+ person volunteer panel of professional and academic advisors. The work receiving the highest average score will be awarded the prize. The four next highest scoring works will be recognized as finalists (runners-up), each receiving $250. The winner will receive a complimentary copy of the Manifest Exhibition Annual publication, in which all recognized artists will be featured. All accepted work must arrive ready to install, demonstrate professional-level presentation and craftsmanship, and will be insured by Manifest while on gallery premises.

What is Offered

A $10,000 cash award, a four-week solo exhibition of the single winning work of art, and a feature in the Manifest Exhibition Annual publication. Four finalist works will receive $250 each and will be included in the season-documenting publication.

Requirements

Works submitted must have been completed within the past five years (2020-2025). The winning work must be available for the exhibition period of early December through mid-January. Entries must represent exceptional original works of visual art, design, or high craftsmanship of any kind and be available and capable of being exhibited in one of Manifest's five galleries. All work accepted for the exhibition must arrive ready to install, demonstrating professional-level presentation and craftsmanship.

How to Apply

Submit via the online entry form available at https://www.manifestgallery.org/one/entry/index.html. Upload high-quality digital images of your artwork using the provided Dropbox link after form submission. Files must be named with artist's last name, first name, and entry number (e.g., Jones_Mike_1.jpg). Detail images should include '_detail' in the filename. Pay the non-refundable entry fee by U.S. check or money order mailed to Manifest Creative Research Gallery, 16th Annual MANIFEST PRIZE, P.O. Box 6218, Cincinnati, OH 45206, or by credit card via PayPal using the link provided on the page following online entry form submission. Video submissions require a link to a viewable online copy and a single representative JPEG image. Video links should be provided on the entry form and must not require a login or password.