BERNINI AWARDS 2026

Before You Begin

Please review the complete Bernini Awards Prospectus, Award Category Descriptions, Eligibility Requirements, Frequently Asked Questions, and Sample Submission before beginning your entry:

www.catholicartinstitute.org/bernini

Important: Please Read Before Creating Your Submission

The Bernini Awards are administered through the EntryThingy submission platform. While EntryThingy is a powerful system, some of its terminology and workflow can be confusing for first-time users. Please read the information below before beginning.

EntryThingy Terminology:
To avoid confusion, please note the following translations:

Gallery = The Catholic Art Institute
Entry = One project submission (one church, chapel, restoration, artwork, interior, landscape design, craftsmanship project, etc.)
Piece = The single PDF presentation uploaded for that project

For the Bernini Awards:
One Project = One Entry = One PDF

Each project is judged independently and requires its own submission form and entry fee.

Creating Your Account
You will first be asked to create a free EntryThingy account.

After creating your account, EntryThingy may invite you to create an online Portfolio.

Please click "Skip" (located at the bottom of the page) and do NOT upload your work through the Portfolio feature.

The Portfolio is not used for the Bernini Awards. It is a separate EntryThingy service and you do not need to purchase a Portfolio subscription to enter this competition.

Preparing Your Submission:
Each project must be submitted as one PDF presentation.

Your PDF should contain everything necessary for the jury to evaluate your project. Depending on the award category, your PDF may include photographs, renderings, drawings, floor plans, elevations, details, explanatory text, historical documentation, specifications, or other supporting materials.

Do not upload separate PDFs for different views or components of the same project. Combine all pages into one PDF before uploading.

There is no required page limit; however, entrants are encouraged to present their work clearly, professionally, and concisely.

Anonymous Jury Review
The Bernini Awards are judged anonymously.

Do not include the name of the architect, artist, studio, firm, photographer, consultants, company logos, watermarks, acknowledgments, title blocks, or any other identifying information anywhere within your PDF presentation.

Students please list the name of your university or program in the entry description area. Simply list example: University of Notre Dame.

Multiple Project Submissions
You may submit up to 20 projects using the same EntryThingy account. Each project must be submitted separately.

After submitting your first project:
Return to the Bernini Awards call for entry page.
Click the green "Start New Entry" button.
Complete a new submission for your next project.
Pay the applicable entry fee using the discount code for additional entries.
Repeat this process for each additional project.

Each project is judged independently and requires a separate entry fee.

Saving Your Work:
You may save your progress and return to complete or edit your submission at any time before the submission deadline.

Once jury review has begun, submissions may no longer be modified.

Entry Fees
Professional Entries
Non-Member - First Submission: $125
Each Additional Submission: $100 (Use Coupon Code: ADD25)

Catholic Art Institute Members - First Submission: $100
Each Additional Submission: $75 (Use Coupon Code: ADD25)

Student Entries - First Submission: $35
Each Additional Submission: $10 (Use Coupon Code: ADD25)

Nomination Categories
Free (No entry fee)

For every project after your first submission, use discount code ADD25 to receive $25 off the standard entry fee. Please apply the code to each additional eligible submission according to your membership status.

Please note: Discount codes are intended only for eligible entries. Catholic Art Institute membership and student status are subject to verification. Misuse of discount codes or submission under an ineligible membership or student category may result in disqualification of the entry or a requirement to pay the applicable entry fee before the submission deadline.

Become a Catholic Art Institute Member
Catholic Art Institute members receive discounted Bernini Awards entry fees in addition to year-round member benefits including discounted rates to attend the annual conference, retreat for artists, Sacred Art Prize entry fees, plus the spiritual benefits of the Mass Association.

Established firms and studios are encouraged to become Corporate Members.

For membership information, visit: www.catholicartinstitute.org/membership