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The Bennett Prizeaward
The Bennett Prize 5
- Who Can Apply: Women 18+ residing at least part-time in the U.S. (50 states and Washington, D.C.) whose primary practice is figurative realism painting; must not have received prior awards/grants of $35,000+ or sold single works for $35,000+; finalists must not be full- or part-time students between September 19, 2026 and May 20, 2027; winner must not be a student from May 20, 2027 through May 2029
- The Focus: Supporting women figurative realist painters who have not yet realized full professional recognition; propelling artists' careers through exhibition and funding
- The Funding: $75,000 to winner over two consecutive years ($37,500 annually) plus solo traveling exhibition; $10,000 to runner-up; 10 finalists selected for traveling exhibition
- Key Requirements: Submit 3-5 original paintings completed in past 5 years plus 1 detail image (4-6 images total) via CaFÉ platform; digital images must include title, media, and dimensions; paintings must be traditional paint on 2D surface (oil, acrylic, tempera, watercolor, gouache, pastel eligible); mixed media allowed if paint is primary material; figures must be representational; $50 entry fee
DeadlineSaturday, September 19, 2026
Award$75,000 to the winner over two consecutive years ($37,500 annually); $10,000 to runner-up
Application fee$50
Program datesMay 20, 2027 - August 22, 2027
Locationnational
ParticipationHybrid
Career stagesEmerging, Mid-Career, Established
Disciplinesfigurative realism
Application notesOn-site studio visits required for finalists and winner. Winner's solo exhibition opens May 20, 2027 at Muskegon Museum of Art and closes August 22, 2027 before traveling to additional venues. Finalists must have works available for exhibition from February 12, 2027 through September 2029. Finalists have option to offer work for sale during exhibition with museum commission required. No relocation required for residency period; winner may paint from home or studio anywhere in U.S. Entries submitted through CaFÉ platform.
Contactbennettprize@muskegonartmuseum.org
The Bennett Prize
Organization based in Muskegon