[Pittsburgh Foundation](https://pittsburghfoundation.org)

September 19, 2026 (Call for Entries closes)

$75,000 main award; $10,000 runner-up; awarded over two years for a solo exhibition tour

Supports under-recognized women figurative realist painters to create and exhibit a solo show nationally.

Open to women-identifying painters working in figurative realism, including trans and nonbinary individuals.

--- ## Description The Bennett Prize is a biennial award established to propel the careers of women figurative realist painters who have not yet achieved full professional recognition. The main award provides $75,000 to one artist to support the creation of a solo exhibition, which subsequently tours nationally. A runner-up prize of $10,000 is also awarded. The prize is designed to empower both emerging and experienced women painters, expand public exposure to figurative realist painting, and highlight the creative visions of talented women artists in this genre. --- ## Due Dates - September 19, 2026: Call for Entries closes (submission deadline) --- ## Funding Amount - Main award: $75,000, distributed over two years to support the creation of a solo exhibition of figurative realist paintings that will tour nationally. - Runner-up award: $10,000. --- ## Eligibility - Open to artists who identify as women, including trans women and nonbinary people. - Applicants must work primarily in figurative realist painting; at least 75% of the submitted artwork must be painted (oil, acrylic, tempera, watercolor, or pastel). - Artists must reside in the United States (50 states or Washington, D.C.) for at least part of the year. U.S. citizenship is not required, but a physical presence in the U.S. is necessary for logistical reasons (shipping, studio visits, and exhibition). - Artists must not have sold a single work of art for, nor received an art prize or grant exceeding $35,000. - Both emerging and established artists are eligible, as long as they have not achieved significant professional recognition as defined above. --- ## Application Process - Submit entries through [The Bennett Prize Call for Entries page](https://www.thebennettprize.org/call-for-entries). - Entry fee: $50. - Submission must include 3–5 images of original figurative realist paintings (with at least one detail image). - All artwork must be able to ship from within the U.S. - Review the [complete rules](https://www.thebennettprize.org/call-for-entries/complete-rules) and [entry FAQs](https://www.thebennettprize.org/call-for-entries/entry-faqs) for detailed requirements. --- ## Additional Information - Finalists are notified in November 2026. - The winner is announced at the exhibition opening in May 2027. - The winner's solo exhibition will take place after the two-year grant period and will tour nationally. - Works in the exhibition may be offered for sale, with a commission paid to the museum if sold during the show. --- ## External Links - [The Bennett Prize main website](https://thebennettprize.org) - [Call for Entries](https://www.thebennettprize.org/call-for-entries) - [Complete Rules](https://www.thebennettprize.org/call-for-entries/complete-rules) - [Entry FAQs](https://www.thebennettprize.org/call-for-entries/entry-faqs) - [Past Winners and Finalists](https://www.thebennettprize.org/exhibitions/round-4-finalists) - [About the Pittsburgh Foundation](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/about) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/contact-us) | | Phone | 412-391-5122 | | Prize Information | [The Bennett Prize Contact](https://www.thebennettprize.org/contact) |

The Bennett Prize

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