COUNTERFORM — International Open Call at Manifest Gallery

Overview

COUNTERFORM is an open call for works in any medium that engage with the theme of reactions—the responses, adaptations, and aftershocks that follow an initial event or action. A counterform is a shape defined by what surrounds it, existing only because something else acted first. The call invites work addressing the range of human response, from impulsive reactions to sustained collective resistance, and from first attempts refined through failure to responses so consistent they become the foundation for larger plans. Accepted work will be exhibited at Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 23 August 2026
• Notifications Sent: 28 September 2026
• Hi-Res Images Due (for season annual and PR): 5 October 2026
• Artwork Due at Manifest: 31 October 2026
• Special Preview Event (ticketed, 7–9 pm): 5 November 2026
• Opening Reception (6–9 pm): 6 November 2026
• Final Day of Exhibition: 4 December 2026
• Hand-Delivered Work Pickup Window: December 5–12, 2026
• Shipped Artwork Pickup Scheduling: December 9, 2026

Eligibility

Open internationally to everyone. Works must be original and address the exhibit's broad theme. All traditional and non-traditional genres and media are welcome. No date restriction on when submitted works must have been created.

Media & Size

No size restriction other than what can fit through Manifest's door and within its gallery spaces. Artists with larger work are invited to contact the gallery to inquire about specific limits.

Fees & Application

• Application Fee: $45 for up to three entries; $5 per each additional entry
• Fees are non-refundable
• Payment accepted by U.S. check or money order payable to Manifest, or by credit card via PayPal
• Submit online through the application form

Awards & Benefits

• $50 cash honorarium awarded to every exhibiting artist
• $1,000 Grand Jury Award given to one work selected via re-jury from top-scoring works across all Season 23 exhibits (September 25, 2026 through August 2027)
• If work is sold, artist receives 70% of sale price (Manifest retains 30% commission)
• Works insured while on gallery premises against theft, vandalism, and damage caused by gallery patrons or staff
• Option to purchase one copy of the season's Manifest Exhibition Annual (MEA) at half price; pre-order at 40% off at time of entry
• All solo exhibitors receive a free copy of the MEA for the season

About the Selection Process

Selection is two-part: an anonymous, several-member panel of professional and academic advisors juries all entries, then passes recommendations to the exhibit curator, who makes final selections from the jury-approved pool.

Important Terms

Submitting the entry form constitutes agreement to the exhibit's terms. Artists must make work available for shipment/delivery to the gallery if selected and are asked not to double-book or commit work to conflicting exhibitions. Accepted work must arrive ready to install; work that is not gallery-ready, differs significantly from entry images, or shows poor craftsmanship may be omitted or disqualified. Manifest retains submitted images of accepted work for potential use in publications and gallery publicity; artists retain full copyright of exhibited work.