The 16th Annual Manifest Prize: $10,000 Award

About the Open Call

The Manifest Prize is the organization's premier annual award, which has been increased to $10,000 for its 16th iteration in Manifest's 22nd season. This prize aims to reward, showcase, celebrate, and document the most exceptional artwork being made today. The opportunity is open to works of any media, genre, or style, and has almost no restrictions on submissions, other than completion date. A rigorous multi-member blind jury process, involving several rounds and up to 18 anonymous professional jurors, is used to determine the winner and four finalists. The winning work will receive $10,000 and be presented in a four-week solo exhibit at Manifest Gallery. Four runner-up finalists will each receive $250. All selected works will be documented in the Manifest Exhibition Annual publication. Manifest is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to championing mastery and quality in visual art, supported by entry fees, annual fund contributions, and the Ohio Arts Council.

What is Offered

$10,000 cash award, a four-week solo exhibition of the winning work, inclusion in the Manifest Exhibition Annual publication for the winner and finalists, and $250 cash awards for four finalist works. The winner also receives a free copy of the hardcover annual book.

Requirements

Works must have been completed within the past five years (2020-2025) and be available for exhibition from December 12, 2025, to January 9, 2026. Submissions must be original works of visual art, design, or high craftsmanship of any kind, gallery-ready, and professionally presented. Digital images must meet specific file naming, size (min 1000 pixels, 72 dpi, JPEG format), and format requirements. Video submissions require online links and a representative JPEG.

How to Apply

Artists must submit an entry form online via the provided link and upload digital images/files using the Dropbox button. Payment of the entry fee can be made via U.S. check, money order, or credit card via PayPal. Video entries require a viewable online link and a single representative JPEG image.