The Manifest Prize

About the Open Call

The Manifest Prize, now in its 16th annual iteration, is an international competition designed to reward, showcase, celebrate, and document the most exceptional artwork being made today. This year, the prize has been doubled to $10,000 for a single winning work. It is open to works of any media, genre, or style, and has no size restrictions beyond what can be displayed in Manifest's gallery space. The opportunity underscores Manifest's mission of championing mastery and quality in visual art within a non-commercial public context. A multi-round blind jury process, involving 7-15+ anonymous professional and academic jurors, determines the finalists and winner based on artistic excellence. The winning artist receives the $10,000 award, a four-week solo exhibit of their chosen work, and a copy of the season's large-format hardcover Manifest Exhibition Annual publication. Four runners-up will also receive $250 each and be recognized in the publication. The exhibition period for the winning work is December 12, 2025, to January 9, 2026, with a special preview event on December 11th. Manifest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and proceeds from entry fees fund project-related expenses. The gallery maintains a 30% commission on any work sold during the exhibition, with the artist receiving 70%. Works are insured by Manifest while on gallery premises, but not during transit.

What is Offered

The $10,000 Manifest Prize award, a four-week solo exhibition of the winning work, publication in the Manifest Exhibition Annual, and $250 cash awards for four runners-up.

Requirements

Works must have been completed within the past five years (2020-2025) and must be available for exhibition from December 12, 2025, through January 9, 2026. Submissions must be exceptional original works of visual art, design, or high craftsmanship, capable of being exhibited in the gallery. All work must arrive gallery-ready with professional presentation and craftsmanship. Digital image files must adhere to specific naming and size requirements (JPEG, min 1000 pixels in any direction, 72 dpi). Video links must be viewable online without a login or password.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit an online entry form found at https://www.manifestgallery.org/one/entry/index.html. Digital images/files must be uploaded via a Dropbox link provided after form submission, adhering to specific file naming (e.g., Jones_Mike_1.jpg) and resolution requirements (JPEG, no smaller than 1000 pixels in any direction, 72 dpi). Video-based works require a link to a viewable online copy and a single representative JPEG image. Entry fees can be paid by U.S. check or via PayPal.