The 16th Annual Manifest Prize

About the Open Call

The Manifest Prize, now in its 16th annual iteration, has been doubled to a $10,000 award thanks to the support of Manifest's Annual Fund and community. This prize 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, genre, or style, and size, with no stylistic or media-based preference or bias in the jury process. There are almost no restrictions on submissions; previous Manifest participants are welcome, as are new artists. A several-round blind jury process, involving up to 18 anonymous professional jurors, determines the finalists and winner. Works submitted must have been completed within the past five years (2020-2025). The winning work must be available for exhibition from early December through mid-January and will be unveiled at a ticketed preview event on December 11th. In addition to the main award, the Manifest Board of Directors has approved $250 cash awards for four runners-up, who will also be recognized and documented. Manifest's mission is to reward, showcase, celebrate, and document exceptional artwork, championing mastery and quality in visual art. The winner will receive a four-week solo exhibit of the single winning work in one of Manifest's galleries, alongside juror and artist statements, and will be documented in the Manifest Exhibition Annual publication.

What is Offered

A $10,000 cash award for the winning artist, a four-week solo exhibition of the winning work in one of Manifest's galleries, and inclusion in the Manifest Exhibition Annual publication. Four finalist artists will each receive a $250 cash award and recognition in the publication.

Requirements

The Manifest Prize is open to everyone. Entries must be exceptional original works of visual art, design, or high craftsmanship, completed within the past five years (since 2020), and available for exhibition from December 12, 2025, to January 9, 2026. Works must be available and capable of being exhibited in Manifest's gallery spaces. All work accepted must arrive ready to install; works not gallery-ready or differing significantly from entry images may be disqualified. Professional-level presentation and craftsmanship are required. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs to and from the gallery. Digital images/files for submission must be high-quality JPEG format, no smaller than 1000 pixels in any direction and 72 dpi. Video-based or interactive submissions require a link to an online copy and a representative JPEG image.

How to Apply

To apply, artists must submit entries via the online entry form found at https://www.manifestgallery.org/one/entry/index.html. The entry fee is $60 for up to five entries submitted after September 1, 2025, with an additional $5 for each extra entry. Fees are non-refundable and can be paid by U.S. check/money order or credit card via PayPal. Digital images/files of the artwork must be uploaded using the Dropbox button provided after submitting the entry form. Hi-res, print-quality images will be requested for accepted works. All entry files must be named with artist's last name_first name_entry number (e.g., Jones_Mike_1.jpg). Video submissions require a link to a viewable online copy and a single representative JPEG image. All submitted links must remain valid and active through notification of jury results. For check payments, mail to Manifest Creative Research Gallery, 16th Annual MANIFEST PRIZE, P.O. Box 6218, Cincinnati, OH 45206, postmarked by the deadline.