Locals know that fall is a beautiful time of year in West Michigan, with the trees flaunting their brilliant colors as...

October 11, 2019
ArtPrize began nearly ten years ago as an experiment - a totally new event, unlike anything the world had ever seen. For 19 days this fall, three square miles of downtown Grand Rapids become an open playing field where anyone can find a voice in the conversation about what is art and why it matters. Art from around the world pops up in every inch of downtown, and it’s all free and open to the public.
While every year is different, you can expect to see art everywhere. Art that makes you feel. Art that makes you think. Art that makes you wonder. Take a closer look at some of the art ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Locals know that fall is a beautiful time of year in West Michigan, with the trees flaunting their brilliant colors as...
This fall, from September 7 – October 27, Grand Rapids welcomes a brand-new multi-site public art exhibition, Project 1:...
The experiment of ArtPrize continues as they become a biennial event and launch in its place, Project [1] by ArtPrize which will alternate years with ArtPrize. Beginning in 2019, Project [1] by ArtPrize was a dynamic citywide art project featuring a single artist or small group of artists that will present a temporary, focused activation that will respond to the city's history, community and sense of place. The next event Project [2] will take place September - October 2021 at sites in the Grand Rapids area. It will include free educational and cultural programming that is open to the public. More information will be announced in early 2021.
Curious about past ArtPrize winners? Check out the past winner since the inaugural event in 2009!
In 2015, ArtPrize Tonight debuted at the 19-day event -- extending the art competition beyond the hours that venues are usually open. It showcased events in three categories, including Critical Discourse, ArtPrize on Screen and ArtPrize on Stage – highlighting creative expression through music, performance, video and film.
ArtPrize is a platform for creation. The organizers are just a small part of the whole. Everyone brings something unique to the table, and we're excited to see what you bring.
This grand civic project began with the value that art is important. It is uniquely capable of carrying the ideas of its creator and transforming the perceptions of an audience.
Art is the focus of the competition, but the main event is community. Artists take over the city, visitors explore and new relationships form. Communities open to new ideas organically. The community keeps growing, even after the event is over.
Public vote determines the top prize. Anyone over the age of 16 can register to vote. Cast your votes via mobile app, text message (SMS), and at artprize.org.
ArtPrize 2020 will continue to award a total of $250,000 decided by public vote, but will pivot away from juried prizes to fund artists’ work in the form of increased grants. Enhanced voting options and procedures will be announced at a later time.
1. Download the ArtPrize mobile app, free for Android and iOS devices, to browse through the entries and identify your must-sees.
2. Register to vote via the mobile app or in person at any of the ArtPrize voting sites. You must be within the ArtPrize district to register. Anyone over the age of 16 can register.
3. Vote:
Find more information on how to vote here.
Shop for clothing, mugs, buttons and more at the Hub and additional retail centers around the event. Find a full listing of retail locations in your Event Guide, or look for the online store at grandrapidsstore.com.
ArtPrize continues to finalize plans and support materials as the event draws closer. Visit artprize.org for the latest information, or email support@artprize.org.
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Our 2020 Visitor's Guide features 90 colorful pages of don't-leave-home-without-it information on attractions, activities, lodging and more. Flip through the online guide or request your FREE copy by mail.