The 16th Annual Manifest Prize

About the Open Call

The Manifest Prize is an annual award established to identify, showcase, celebrate, and document exceptional artwork. Manifest's mission centers on championing mastery and quality in visual art. This opportunity culminates in a highly competitive, multi-round blind jury process involving 7-15+ professional and academic advisors. One work is selected for a $5,000 award and presented in a four-week solo exhibition. Four finalist works (runners-up) receive $250 each. All recognized works are documented in the Manifest Exhibition Annual publication, a high-quality hardcover book produced by Manifest Press. The prize underscores the organization's commitment to supporting artists in meaningful, career-impacting ways within a tasteful, non-commercial public context. Works submitted must have been completed within the past five years (2020-2025) and be available for the exhibition period from early December 2025 to mid-January 2026. The winning work will be unveiled at a special preview event on December 11th, followed by an opening reception on December 12th.

What is Offered

The winning artist receives a $5,000 cash award, a four-week solo exhibition of the single winning work, inclusion in the Manifest Exhibition Annual publication, and a free copy of the large-format hardcover book. Four runner-up artists will each receive a $250 cash award and be recognized in the publication.

Requirements

Open to everyone, entries must be exceptional original works of visual art, design, or high craftsmanship, capable of being exhibited in Manifest's galleries. Works must have been completed within the past five years (since 2020) and be available for the exhibition period (December 12, 2025 - January 9, 2026). Submissions must be gallery-ready with professional-level presentation and craftsmanship. Digital images/files are required, adhering to specified naming conventions (e.g., Jones_Mike_1.jpg; detail images must include 'detail' in the filename) and quality (JPEG format, no smaller than 1000 pixels in any direction, 72 dpi). Video submissions require a viewable online link (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo) and a single representative JPEG image.

How to Apply

Artists must submit an online entry form available at https://www.manifestgallery.org/one/entry/index.html. Digital image files must be uploaded via a Dropbox link provided after form submission, adhering to specific naming and size conventions. Entry fees can be paid via PayPal (link provided after form submission) or by U.S. check/money order mailed to Manifest Creative Research Gallery, 16th Annual MANIFEST PRIZE, P.O. Box 6218, Cincinnati, OH 45206. All communications should reference the exhibit title.