The 16th Annual Manifest Prize

About the Open Call

The Manifest Prize, now doubled to $10,000, aims to support artists by rewarding and showcasing exceptional artwork. It is open to works of any media, genre, or style, with no size restrictions, and works must have been completed within the past five years (2020-2025). The jury process is blind and involves multiple rounds with anonymous professional jurors. The winning work will be featured in a four-week solo exhibit from December 12, 2025, to January 9, 2026, and published in the Manifest Exhibition Annual. Four runners-up will also receive recognition, publication, and $250 each. Manifest is committed to long-term documentation and dissemination of projects through high-quality hard-cover retrospective publications.

What is Offered

$10,000 cash award for the winning artist, a four-week solo exhibition of the single winning work in one of Manifest's galleries, inclusion in the Manifest Exhibition Annual publication, a free copy of the Manifest Exhibition Annual for the winner, and $250 cash awards for four runner-up finalists.

Requirements

Entries must represent exceptional original works of visual art, design, or high craftsmanship. Works submitted must have been completed within the past five years (since 2020). The submitted work MUST be available for the exhibition period of early December 2025 through mid-January 2026. Works must arrive gallery-ready and exhibit professional-level presentation and craftsmanship; works that differ significantly from entry images or have poor presentation may be disqualified. Artists are responsible for all shipping costs to and from the gallery. Works will be insured by Manifest while on gallery premises against theft, vandalism, and damage by gallery patrons or staff, but this does not cover shipping damage, damage due to inherent flaws of the artwork or artist-installed mounting systems. Digital images/files are required for submission. Hi-res, print-quality images will be requested for accepted works. Entry files must be named using 'last name_first name_entry number.jpg'. Detail or alternate view images must include 'detail' in the filename. Images must be high-quality JPEG format, no smaller than 1000 pixels in any direction (about 13 inches) and 72 dpi. Video-based or interactive submissions require a link to a viewable online copy and a single representative JPEG image. Video links must be provided on the entry form, link directly to online content without login/password, and remain valid through notification of jury results. Submission constitutes agreement to all conditions outlined, including making the work available for exhibition if selected and not double-booking or selling the work after submission.

How to Apply

To apply, complete the required entry form available at https://www.manifestgallery.org/one/entry/index.html. After submission, upload image files using the provided Dropbox button. Video links for video-based or interactive submissions should be included in the VIEWING LINK section of the entry form, linking directly to viewable online content without requiring a login or password. Entry fees can be paid by U.S. check or money order made payable to MANIFEST and mailed to Manifest Creative Research Gallery, 16th Annual MANIFEST PRIZE, P.O. Box 6218, Cincinnati, OH 45206, or by credit card via PayPal using the link provided after submitting the online entry form. Early deadline entry fee is $45 for up to five entries (by September 1); final deadline entry fee is $60 for up to five entries (by October 19). An additional $5 is charged for each entry beyond five.