Juried Exhibitions & Competitions / Verified 2 September 2026
The Bennett Prize awards $75,000 over two years plus a solo show to the winner, with $10,000 to the runner-up. Entrants pay $50, must work in figurative realism painting, and need to be women 18+ with active US studio practice. Finalists commit to participating in a traveling museum exhibition and opening event; deadline September 19, 2026.
Every fact, with its receipt
What the organizer actually says
Deadline. September 19, 2026
“Call launches April 13, 2026. Entry deadline: 11:59 p.m. MST September 19, 2026.”✓ Checked on the organizer’s site
Cost to apply. $50 to apply
“$50 entry (CaFE)”On file — not confirmed on a public page
What you get. $75,000 grand prize over 2 yrs + solo show; $10k runner-up; ~10 finalists travel
“$75,000 over two consecutive years ($37,500 annually) for winner; $10,000 runner-up award; traveling exhibition and solo exhibition at Muskegon Museum of Art”✓ Checked on the organizer’s site
How long. 2 years (grant period); exhibition runs May 2027–Sept 2029
Who can apply. Women 18+, residing at least part-time in US (50 states + DC), primary practice in figurative realism painting, active US studio practice required, not a full/part-time student between Sept 19 2026–May 20 2027 (or through May 2029 if winner
“residing at least part-time in US (50 states + DC)”✓ Checked on the organizer’s site
How they choose. Named museum directors/curators
“Jurors selected (jury members listed at thebennettprize.org); 10 finalists chosen, 1 winner announced”✓ Checked on the organizer’s site
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