ArtPrize is Open. Any artist can enter. Any space in the district can be a venue. Artists and venues connect at artprize.org to independently organize. ArtPrize is free to the public, who vote for the winners.
ArtPrize Celebrates Artists. We celebrate the vision and courage of artists who take risks and embrace the spirit of ArtPrize.
ArtPrize is a Catalyst. We build community through countless instances of independent participation. Everyone has a voice in the conversation and a stake in the outcome.
ArtPrize Transforms Urban Space. By working with independent venues and curators who create unique experiences, we strive to fill every available space with art.
ArtPrize is an Educational Experience. ArtPrize provides programs and resources that transform Grand Rapids into an open learning laboratory where students, teachers and visitors have meaningful learning experiences, inspiring generations of artists and art-lovers.
ArtPrize Challenges Everyone. Unpredictable by design, ArtPrize vigorously promotes examination of opinions, values and beliefs, encouraging all participants to step outside of their comfort zones. We expect that this will surprise and delight but may also confound and infuriate.
ArtPrize Generates Conversation. Because of its open, independently organized format, ArtPrize expects and embraces critical discourse and debate from all perspectives.
ArtPrize Promotes Social Good. ArtPrize is not just for “anyone” it’s for “everyone.” We produce programs that are intentionally inclusive and that have positive social and economic impact. We believe that real involvement for all happens by embracing identity and experience.
ArtPrize Embraces Technology. Technology is baked into the ArtPrize model and makes it possible. Pivotal to success are innovative features and functionality for our stakeholders that are constantly improving.
ArtPrize is an Evolving Experiment. We are agile, constantly soliciting stakeholder feedback and implementing year-over-year improvements that are data-driven and thoughtfully executed. Change is embraced and encouraged.
For 18 days, art is exhibited throughout the city in public parks and museums, in galleries and vacant storefronts, in bars and on bridges. ArtPrize awards $450,000 directly to artists, through grants to support their ambitious work and through prizes which the public decides through the ArtPrize website.
Since its inception in 2009, millions have participated in ArtPrize, displaying their work, opening their spaces to artists and visitors from around the world, and sparking countless conversations about what art is and why it matters.
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ArtPrize is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Any artist working in any medium from anywhere in the world can participate. Art is exhibited throughout downtown Grand Rapids—museums, bars, public parks, restaurants, theaters, hotels, bridges, laundromats, auto body shops, vacant storefronts and office spaces. Artists and venues register for the competition then find each other through an online connections process in late spring. No one at ArtPrize selects a single artist or artwork, directs an artist where to show work or directs a venue what to show.