The Manifest Prize

About the Open Call

The Manifest Prize, now doubled to $10,000, recognizes that artists face greater challenges and that needs have changed. This is one of the most direct and impactful ways Manifest supports artists, alongside honorariums for every exhibitor and nine $1,000 Grand Jury Awards each season. The Prize is open to works of ANY media, ANY genre/style, ANY size. The jury and judging process has no stylistic or media-based preference or bias. There are almost no restrictions on submissions to The Manifest Prize. Artists who have submitted to or been included in previous Manifest projects are welcome to submit, as are artists who have never participated. A multi-round blind jury process with as many as 18 anonymous professional jurors determines the finalists and winner. Works submitted must have been completed within the past five years (2020-2025 for the 16th Manifest Prize). The winning work must also be available for the exhibition period of early December through mid-January (December 12, 2025 - January 9, 2026) to be eligible. The winning work is not required to be available for sale; if offered, the artist receives 70% commission. The Manifest Prize is completely separate from the season's nine Grand Jury Awards. The Manifest Board of Directors committee has approved additional cash awards for the four works selected as runners-up, each receiving $250. These artists will also be formally recognized and documented in the Manifest Exhibition Annual publication. The $10,000 award-winning work will be unveiled at the gallery on December 11th during a ticketed preview event (7-9pm). Eligibility: The Manifest Prize is open to everyone. 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. Works submitted for this award must have been completed within the past five years (since 2020). Works submitted MUST be available for the exhibition period of early December through mid-January to be eligible for the prize. Submission constitutes a formal agreement to provide the work for exhibit should it be selected. Manifest will abide by all tax requirements in disbursing prize money. Media: Open to any and all traditional and non-traditional visual arts genre and media, including video, photography, sculpture, installation, painting, drawing, printmaking, furniture design, etc. There is no size limit or minimum size required, other than what is capable of being displayed in our gallery space. Jury and Curator: This exhibit and award will be juried by an anonymous 7-15+ person volunteer panel of professional and academic advisors and gallery alumni from across the U.S. and beyond. Works approved by the first jury will pass through a second, and possibly a third jury round, with shuffled jury makeup. The work receiving the highest average score will be awarded the prize. The four next highest scoring works will be the finalists (runners up) and will each be awarded $250. Selected juror comments may be posted in the gallery and included in the Manifest Exhibition Annual. Publication: The winner of the Manifest Prize will receive a free copy of the large-format hardcover Manifest Exhibition Annual, which documents each entire season of exhibits, artists, and works shown. Delivery and Return of Winning Work for Exhibition: All work accepted for the exhibition must arrive ready to install. Works not gallery-ready, or not exhibiting good craftsmanship, may be omitted from the exhibit and declined the prize. Professional-level presentation and craftsmanship is a must. Work may be hand-delivered or shipped in easily reusable containers with return shipping prepaid. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs to and from the gallery. Works will be insured by Manifest while on gallery premises, covering theft, vandalism, and damage caused by gallery patrons or staff. Insurance does not cover damage during shipping, or damage caused by failure of the work itself, its mounting systems, or its materials.

What is Offered

A $10,000 cash award to the artist of a single winning work, a four-week solo exhibit in one of Manifest's galleries, and a free copy of the large-format hardcover Manifest Exhibition Annual publication. Four finalist works will receive $250 each and be included in the publication.

Requirements

Works must have been completed within the past five years (2020-2025) and be available for exhibition from early December 2025 to mid-January 2026. Submissions must be exceptional original works of visual art, design, or high craftsmanship, gallery-ready, and professionally presented. Accepted work must not differ significantly from entry images. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs to and from the gallery.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit an online entry form and upload digital images/files via the provided Dropbox link. Image files must adhere to specific naming conventions (lastname_firstname_entrynumber.jpg) and quality specifications (high-quality JPEG, no smaller than 1000 pixels in any direction, 72 dpi). Video submissions require a viewing link on the entry form and a representative JPEG. Entry fees must be paid by U.S. check, money order, or credit card via PayPal. Submitting the entry form indicates agreement to the conditions and availability of the work for exhibition.