THE BERNINI STANDARD OF BEAUTY
The Bernini Awards are founded upon the classical Christian understanding of beauty articulated by St. Thomas Aquinas: Integritas, Consonantia, and Claritas.

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• Integritas (Integrity or Wholeness) refers to the completeness and fittingness of a work according to its purpose. Sacred architecture and art should exhibit coherence, craftsmanship, durability, and fidelity to their sacred function within the life of the Church.

• Consonantia (Harmony or Proportion) refers to the right ordering of parts within a whole. Sacred works should demonstrate balance, hierarchy, proportion, and unity, reflecting the divine order present in creation.

• Claritas (Radiance or Splendor) refers to the manifestation of truth through beauty. Sacred art and architecture should communicate theological meaning, elevate the mind toward God, and reveal the transcendent realities they signify.

 

These principles provide the philosophical foundation for the Bernini Awards and inform the jury's evaluation of all submissions.

 

While each category is judged according to its particular discipline and requirements, all award recipients should demonstrate integrity of purpose, harmony of form, and a luminous expression of truth in service to the worship and mission of the Catholic Church.


GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The Bernini Awards are founded on the conviction that sacred art and architecture exist to serve the worship of God and the mission of the Church. Award recipients should demonstrate theological and liturgical integrity, artistic excellence, mastery of craft, enduring beauty, and meaningful contribution to Catholic culture and community.
The Awards seek to recognize works that participate in the Church's living artistic tradition while addressing the needs of the present age. Excellence is measured not by novelty or fashion, but by fidelity, beauty, craftsmanship, and the capacity to elevate the human person toward truth and transcendence.


AWARD CATEGORIES
Work created between 2019 - 2026 are eligible for entry. Submissions older than 2019 are not eligible.
The jury reserves the right to grant or withhold awards in any category and may award Honorable Mentions at its discretion
 

• Church Architecture — New Construction

• Church Restoration

• Artisanship & Craftsmanship

• Churches, Shrines & Ecclesiastical Buildings

• Fine Arts

• Interior Design

• Landscape Design — Church and School Grounds

• Student - Architecture & Art

• Patronage  (nomination)

• Stewardship  (nomination)

 

 

Church Architecture — New Construction 
Honors newly constructed Catholic churches, chapels, shrines, or monasteries that exemplify architectural excellence rooted in the sacred tradition of the Church.

Criteria of Distinction:
Faithful expression of Catholic theology through architecture
Clear liturgical hierarchy and sacramental symbolism
Excellence in proportion, massing, and materials
Enduring beauty ordered toward worship
Successful integration within its geographic and cultural context
Year of creation - 2019 - present
Eligible projects must be completed or substantially completed.


Church Restoration
Honors outstanding renovation or restoration of an existing Catholic church or chapel.

Criteria of Distinction:
Respect for the original architectural character
Research & investigation into historic conditions
Restoration of sacred hierarchy and devotional clarity
Improvement of liturgical function
Quality of craftsmanship and materials
Renewal of beauty in continuity with tradition
Projects may include restoration, renewal, or corrective renovation.


Artisanship & Craftsmanship
Recognizes exceptional craftsmanship in works created for Catholic sacred spaces.
 

Eligible works include, but are not limited to:

• Stone or wood carving

• Metalwork

• Altars, reredos, tabernacles

• Liturgical furnishings

• Decorative architectural elements

• Criteria of Distinction

• Mastery of traditional craft

• Use of noble and durable materials

• Precision, integrity, and artistic discipline

• Harmony with sacred architecture

• Evidence of vocational craftsmanship ordered toward worship

Churches, Shrines & Ecclesiastical Buildings
Honors architectural or design excellence in parish-related buildings serving the broader life of the Church, including:

• Rectories

• Parish halls

• Catholic schools

• Formation centers

• Convents or religious houses

Criteria of Distinction:

• Architectural harmony with the church building

• Human scale and dignity

• Contribution to community life

• Beauty appropriate to function

• Integration of Catholic identity in design

Fine Arts
Recognizes excellence in sacred visual arts, including:

• Murals

• Renderings

• Painting

• Sculpture

• Mosaic

• Stained Glass

• Sacred Books & Manuscript Arts

• Textile Arts

Criteria of Distinction:

• Theological and iconographic accuracy

• Artistic excellence and discipline

• Fidelity to sacred tradition

• Ability to communicate transcendence and devotion

• Contribution to the Church’s visual culture

• Both installed works and independent fine artworks may be considered.

Interior Design
Honors excellence in the interior design of Catholic sacred or ecclesial spaces.
 

Criteria of Distinction:

• Liturgical clarity and hierarchy

• Consideration of lighting, furniture, patterns

• Harmony of materials, color, and light

• Integration of art, architecture, and furnishings

• Enhancement of prayerful atmosphere

• Respect for the sacred character of the space

Landscape Design — Church & School Grounds
Recognizes landscape architecture serving Catholic churches, schools, shrines, and religious institutions.
 

Criteria of Distinction:

• Harmony between built form and landscape

• Sense of order, procession, and sacred approach

• Use of traditional or symbolic design language

• Contribution to contemplation and community

• Long-term sustainability and beauty

Student — Emerging Architecture & Sacred Arts

Applicants should identify their institution (if applicable), degree or program of study, current professional status (Student, Recent Graduate, or Early-Career Practitioner), and anticipated or actual graduation year.

 

Eligible entrants include:

• Students (18 years or older) currently enrolled in an architecture, art, design, preservation, or related degree or certificate program.

• Recent graduates (within five years of graduation).

• Early-career practitioners (within five years of beginning professional practice or licensure, where applicable).

 

Criteria of Distinction:

• Demonstrated understanding of sacred tradition.

• Artistic or architectural promise.

• Clarity of theological and liturgical intent.

• Technical and compositional skill appropriate to the entrant's level of experience.

• Capacity for future contribution to the Church.

Nomination-Only Awards (No Entry Fee)
Patronage — Catherine de Bologna Award
Honors individuals, families, or institutions whose generosity and vision have made significant works of sacred art and architecture possible.

Criteria of Distinction:

• Courageous commitment to beauty

• Leadership in restoring or commissioning sacred works

• Support extending beyond a single project

• Lasting impact on parish, diocese, or culture

• Patronage understood as service to the Church

• This award affirms that great sacred art has always depended upon faithful patrons.

Stewardship - St. Benedict of Nursia Award
Recognizes exemplary care, preservation, and guardianship of Catholic artistic and architectural heritage.
 

Eligible recipients may include:

• Clergy

• Religious communities

• Parishes

• Institutions

• Criteria of Distinction:

• Faithful preservation of sacred heritage

• Responsible maintenance and care

• Long-term vision

• Protection of beauty for future generations

• Witness to continuity within the life of the Church

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

EntryThingy Terminology
 

To avoid confusion, please note the following translations between EntryThingy and the Bernini Awards:

• 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 must be submitted separately and is judged independently. Do not combine multiple projects into a single PDF. If you wish to submit multiple projects, complete a separate Entry for each project using the same EntryThingy account. Each project requires its own submission form and entry fee.

 

Step 1 – Create Your Free EntryThingy Account
When you first visit the Bernini Awards submission page, you will be asked to create a free EntryThingy account.
Your account allows you to submit and manage multiple Bernini Awards entries using a single login. You only need to create your account once.
Step 2 – Skip the Portfolio Screen
Important: After creating your account, EntryThingy may invite you to create an online Portfolio.
 

Please click "Skip" (bottom of the page) and do not upload your project through the Portfolio feature.
 

The Portfolio is not used for the Bernini Awards. It is a separate EntryThingy service that allows artists to maintain an online portfolio. The free version permits only a limited number of uploads before offering optional paid storage plans.
 

You do NOT need a Portfolio to enter the Bernini Awards, and you should not purchase one.
 

 

Step 3 – Submit Your First Project
 

After skipping the Portfolio page, return to the Bernini Awards submission page.
 

Complete the submission form for one project and upload one PDF presentation containing all of the materials necessary for the jurors to evaluate your submission.
 

Each submission should contain only one project.
 

 

Step 4 – Pay and Submit
 

Complete payment and submit your project.
Each project requires its own entry fee.
 

 

Step 5 – Submit Additional Projects
 

Entrants may submit up to 20 projects using the same EntryThingy account.
 

 

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

Each project is entered, paid for, and judged independently.

 

PDF Presentation Requirements
Each project must be submitted as one PDF presentation.
There is no required page limit. Entrants may include as many pages as necessary to present the project clearly and comprehensively.

Your PDF should contain all of the information necessary for the jurors to evaluate your submission. Organize the pages in whatever manner best presents your project. Depending on the award category, your PDF may include photographs, drawings, renderings, floor plans, elevations, details, explanatory text, historical documentation, specifications, or any other supporting material appropriate to the submission.
 

Do not upload separate PDFs for different views or components of the same project. Instead, combine all pages of one project/submission into a single PDF before uploading.
 

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

 

Anonymous Jurying
The Bernini Awards are judged through a blind jury process.
Do not include the name of the architect, artist, studio, firm, photographer, company logos, watermarks, acknowledgments, or any other identifying information anywhere within your PDF presentation.
The Awards Committee reserves the right to redact identifying information or request replacement files prior to jury review. Submissions that cannot be anonymized may be disqualified.


SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Each submission must include:
• Project Title


• Award Category


• Year of Completion (or Proposal Status where applicable)


• Project Location (where applicable)


• Project Statement (maximum 300 words)


• One PDF presentation containing all supporting materials appropriate to the submission
 

The PDF presentation may include photographs, renderings, drawings, plans, elevations, details, explanatory text, specifications, construction documentation, or any other materials that best present the project.

Where appropriate, submissions are encouraged to include:

• Architectural drawings

• Floor plans

• Elevations

• Sections

• Construction details

Preferred Submission Format
Each submission must be uploaded as a single PDF presentation. This format preserves the intended sequence and presentation of the project for jury review.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Accepted file format: PDF only.
 

Each project must be submitted as one PDF presentation.
• Combine all pages into a single PDF before uploading.
• PDFs may include photographs, renderings, drawings, plans, elevations, sections, details, specifications, historical documentation, explanatory text, and other supporting materials appropriate to the submission.
• PDFs must not contain identifying names, firm names, logos, title blocks, watermarks, or other identifying information.

Entrants are encouraged to optimize PDFs for efficient online viewing. While the submission platform accepts larger files, Project Narrative PDFs of approximately 10–20 MB are recommended whenever practical.
 

ELIGIBILITY

• Projects must serve the mission and worship of the Catholic Church

• Submissions may be made by architects, artists, designers, clergy, patrons, or institutions

• Completed works are preferred

• Proposed works are eligible only in designated categories

• Conceptual work without serious institutional intent may be declined

• Projects previously submitted to other awards competitions remain eligible provided they satisfy all Bernini Awards eligibility requirements.

• Attendance at the awards ceremony is encouraged but is not required to enter the Bernini Awards or to receive an award.

Eligibility Determinations
The Awards Committee reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any submission and to interpret these guidelines where questions arise. Entries that do not align with the purpose, categories, or judging criteria of the Bernini Awards may be reclassified or deemed ineligible at the Committee's discretion. The Committee's decisions regarding eligibility are final.

 

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PREVIOUS BERNINI AWARD SUBMISSION
Projects that do not receive a Bernini Award or Honorable Mention may be resubmitted in future award cycles, provided they continue to meet all eligibility requirements. Projects recognized with an Honorable Mention remain eligible for resubmission and may be considered for a Bernini Award in a subsequent year. Bernini Award-winning projects are not eligible to compete again in the same category with the same project.


RIGHTS & USAGE
By submitting an entry, participants grant the Catholic Art Institute the right to use submitted materials for publication, exhibition, and promotional purposes, with proper attribution.

PROJECT TEAM RECOGNITION
The Bernini Awards recognize that sacred architecture and the allied arts are often collaborative endeavors. Entrants are encouraged to identify all principal contributors, including architects, artists, designers, consultants, craftspeople, fabricators, patrons, institutions, and other collaborators as applicable.
Awards may be presented jointly where appropriate.


AUTHENTICITY & AI POLICY
Entries must represent the original creative work of the entrant. Human authorship must remain the primary and controlling force behind the conception, design, execution, and final presentation of the work.

The Bernini Awards recognize that contemporary artists, architects, and designers may employ a variety of digital tools as part of their professional workflow. The use of software incorporating AI-assisted features for editing, rendering, drafting, visualization, image enhancement, modeling, documentation, or production purposes is permissible, provided such tools do not replace the entrant's authorship, artistic judgment, design responsibility, or creative decision-making.
 

Works substantially generated using text-to-image or other generative AI systems—including, but not limited to, Midjourney, DALL·E, Stable

 

Diffusion, Adobe Firefly, ChatGPT image generation, Flux, Ideogram, Recraft, or similar platforms—as finished creative works are not eligible for submission.
 

The Catholic Art Institute reserves the right to request sketches, process documentation, working files, CAD or BIM models, renderings, photographs, progress images, or other evidence of authorship and project development.
 

Entries found to misrepresent authorship or creative responsibility may be disqualified at the sole discretion of the jury and the Awards Committee.


Review Process

• All eligible submissions are reviewed anonymously by a distinguished jury of architects, artists, clergy, scholars, and cultural leaders.

• Identifying names, firm names, studio names, logos, and other identifying information are removed or redacted whenever reasonably possible prior to jury review.

• The Bernini Awards Jury evaluates each submission independently using the official Bernini Awards Scoring Rubric.

• The Awards Committee compiles all jury scores to determine finalists and award recipients.

• The jury may grant Honorable Mentions at its discretion.

• The jury reserves the right to withhold an award in any category if, in its judgment, no submission meets the standards of excellence established by the Bernini Awards.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Members of the Bernini Awards Jury are not eligible to submit work for consideration during the year in which they serve as jurors.

Members of the Bernini Advisory Council who are not serving as jurors may submit eligible work for consideration, provided they do not participate in the evaluation or deliberation of their own submissions.
Jurors and Advisory Council members are expected to disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest and to recuse themselves from discussion or evaluation where appropriate.
Jury appointments are made annually by invitation and apply only to the current awards cycle. Individuals who serve as jurors in one year may be eligible to submit work in future years in which they are not serving on the jury.

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All eligible submissions are anonymously juried, with identifying information removed before review to ensure an impartial evaluation based solely on merit.

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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)

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PAYMENTS

Submissions can be paid for securely by credit card as "Guest Checkout" through PayPal or with your PayPal account. We cannot accept wire transfers or other forms of payment. 

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If you wish to enter the competition from outside the US and cannot use PayPal or have any issues paying by card, please email contact@catholicartinstitute.org and we will work with you to find a way to receive your entry fees.

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Financial Assistance for Individual Artists & Craftsmen

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The Catholic Art Institute does not want entry fees to present a hardship for practicing artists and craftsmen. A limited number of reduced-fee entries are available for Catholic Art Institute members who are individual professional artists or craftsmen with limited financial means.

 

This program is intended for individual practitioners only and is not available to architecture firms, design studios, restoration companies, or other commercial businesses, regardless of size.

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Eligible members are invited to email contact@catholicartinstitute.org to request a confidential discount code prior to submitting their entry.