GLIMMER: A Call for Works About Epiphanies from Within the Mundane

About the Open Call

During Manifest Gallery's 22nd Season in Cincinnati, Ohio, GLIMMER is a call for works about revelations, sudden comprehension, and epiphanies from within the mundane. This exhibition will showcase works that emerge from or reflect on such moments of insight—when the everyday becomes fertile ground. Whether abstract or representational, conceptual or intuitive, submissions should resonate with the idea of revelation from within the ordinary—glimmers that changed something, if only for a moment. GLIMMER is open to everyone internationally, with entries representing original works addressing the broad theme. All traditional and non-traditional genre and media are accepted, with no size restrictions other than what can fit in the gallery spaces, and no requirements on timeframe when submitted works must have been made. Manifest's selection process involves a two-part jury system by professional and academic advisors, followed by a curator's final selection. Manifest accepts only digital images/files. Hi-Res, print-quality images will be requested for accepted works. The gallery retains submitted images of accepted artwork for publications and publicity, while the artist retains full copyright. File naming conventions apply (Lastname_Firstname_1.jpg, with 'detail' for additional views). Images must be JPEG format, no smaller than 1000 pixels in any direction (72 dpi). For video or interactive submissions, a link to a viewable online copy is required along with a representative JPEG image. Submitting the entry form implies agreement to the conditions, commitment to sending the fee, and making work available for exhibit if selected. Manifest Press produces a high-quality hard-cover publication (MEA) documenting each season; exhibiting artists can purchase a copy at half price, solo exhibitors receive one for free. All accepted work must arrive ready to install with professional-level presentation and craftsmanship. Works may be hand delivered or shipped in reusable packaging with return shipping prepaid. Works are insured while on gallery premises against theft, vandalism, and damage by patrons/staff, but not during shipping or due to inherent vice. Artworks are not required to be for sale; if for sale, Manifest retains a 30% commission, and the sale price/status cannot be changed after the deadline. Exhibition Dates: December 12, 2025 - January 9, 2026. Notifications will be sent by email by November 3. Hi-res images for publication are needed by November 10. Artwork is due to Manifest by December 6. Special Preview Event on December 11, Opening Reception on December 12. Hand-delivered work pick-up is January 10-17, and shipped artwork pick-up should be scheduled by the artist for January 14.

What is Offered

Each participating exhibitor will receive a $50 cash honorarium. A total of $9,000 in Grand Jury Awards will be distributed, with $1,000 awarded to one work during each of the nine exhibition periods in Manifest's 22nd season. Exhibiting artists have the option to purchase one copy of the season's publication (MEA) at half price. All solo exhibitors receive a copy of the MEA for free. Manifest Gallery retains a 30% commission on any sold artworks, with the artist receiving 70%.

Requirements

Applicants must submit original works that address the exhibition's theme of 'Epiphanies from Within the Mundane'. The opportunity is open to all traditional and non-traditional art forms and media, with no explicit size restrictions other than what can fit in the gallery spaces. There are no restrictions on the date when the submitted works must have been created. Accepted works must be gallery-ready, professionally presented, and demonstrate good craftsmanship, not differing significantly from the submitted entry images. Digital image submissions must adhere to specific formatting (high-quality JPEGs, minimum 1000 pixels in any direction, 72 dpi) and strict file naming conventions (e.g., 'Lastname_Firstname_1.jpg'; detail images must include 'detail' in the filename). Video or interactive submissions require a direct, accessible online viewing link in addition to a representative JPEG image. Artists must agree to make their selected work available for the exhibition and are responsible for all shipping costs to and from the gallery; shipped works must include prepaid return shipping in easily reusable packaging. Artwork must arrive at Manifest by December 6, 2025. Works not claimed within 30 days of the exhibit's end will become the property of Manifest. Artists are encouraged to insure their works in transit, as gallery insurance covers works only while on premises.

How to Apply

Complete the online entry form available at https://www.manifestgallery.org/season22/glimmer/entry/index.html. The application fee of $45 for up to three entries, plus $5 for each additional entry, must be paid by U.S. check or money order (payable to MANIFEST, mailed to Manifest Creative Research Gallery GLIMMER P.O. Box 6218 Cincinnati, OH 45206) or by credit card via PayPal using the link provided after online form submission. Digital images of your work must be uploaded to the project Dropbox link, which will be provided after entry form submission and in the emailed copy of your form. For video or interactive entries, provide a direct, login-free online viewing link in the 'VIEWING LINK' section of the entry form, in addition to submitting a single representative JPEG image to the Dropbox. All image files must be named according to specific rules (e.g., Lastname_Firstname_1.jpg; detail images must include '_detail_') and be in high-quality JPEG format (no smaller than 1000 pixels in any direction, 72 dpi). Any essential information regarding entries should be included in the notes section of the entry form.