The Bennett Prize is a stipend/grant-in-aid program established by American art collectors Steven Alan Bennett and Dr. Elaine Melotti Schmidt to support the fine art practice of a woman painter working in figurative realism. The Bennett Prize, administered by The Pittsburgh Foundation, is awarded biennially and provides $25,000 annually over two consecutive years to the winning artist ($50,000 total). Ten (10) finalists will be selected to participate in a traveling exhibition organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art (MMA) and the winner will be showcased in a solo exhibition at the close of her grant. A runner up award of $10,000 will be given to one additional finalist.
Eligibility
The Bennett Prize is open only to women eighteen (18) years or older residing at least part time in the United States (50 States and Washington, D.C.) whose primary practice is the creation of original paintings in the genre of figurative realism, and who identifies as a woman, regardless of their assigned gender at birth. This includes trans and cis women and nonbinary people. Part-time residence must include an active studio practice in the U.S. (On-site studio visits are a required component of The Prize.) U.S. Citizenship is not required.
- Artists must be currently pursuing, or hope to pursue, a career as a full-time painter.
- No contestant may be a full- or part-time student at any time during the period from the conclusion of the call for entries on Oct. 4, 2024 through the announcement of the winner on May 15, 2025. The winner of The Prize may not be a full- or part-time student at any time from the conclusion of the call for entries on Oct. 4, 2024 through the opening of her solo Prize exhibition in May 2025. Employment during the period of the grant DOES NOT affect eligibility.
- Artists who have received a prior award or grant of $25,000 or more, or sold any single work of art for $25,000 or more, are NOT eligible.
- To be considered for The Bennett Prize, artists are required to participate in the exhibition of finalists, both by the submission and display of their work and attendance at the opening event. Artists must have works available for exhibition from Feb. 7, 2025 through Sept. 2025. Read the FAQs for more information.
PLEASE READ ALL OF THE RULES AND TERMS BEFORE APPLYING. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN FOR INELIGIBLE OR DISQUALIFIED ENTRIES, SO READ ALL TERMS. SUBMIT IMAGES AND ONE DETAIL FOR NO FEWER THAN THREE (3) AND NO MORE THAN FIVE (5) PAINTINGS.
Entry
Entry is digital, through the CaFÉ website. Search keyword “Bennett.” A free CaFÉ registration is required. Artists should submit a minimum of three (3) and no more than five (5) artworks and one detail, for a total of four (4) to six (6) images.
Deadline
Deadline for entry for Round 4 (2025) Prize is 11:59 p.m. MST Oct. 4, 2024.
Number of Entries
Each artist may submit up to five (5) paintings for consideration by jurors. All entrants must also include one (1) detail image that demonstrates their craft and technique. Entries that do not include a minimum of three (3) pieces and one (1) detail will not be considered.
The fee for entry is $40.
Website link: https://thebennettprize.org/bennett/complete-rules
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