ArtPrize Returns This Week as Grand Rapids' Creative Super Bowl

A Vibrant Return of ArtPrize in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Michigan, is set to transform into a vibrant hub of creativity and expression as ArtPrize returns for another year. This annual international art competition, which first launched in 2009, will begin on Thursday, with events running through October 4. The city will once again be filled with sculptures, paintings, and immersive exhibits, drawing both locals and visitors alike.

ArtPrize has become a staple of the cultural calendar, offering a unique experience where art is accessible to all. This year, attendees can expect a wide range of entries, from small paintings and illustrations to large, interactive installations. Over 1,110 artists are participating, with 931 entries spread across nearly four miles of downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

The event features a variety of locations, including parks, museums, breweries, restaurants, and hotels. Popular areas such as Monroe Center, Monroe Ave. NW, DeVos Place, Amway Grand Plaza, The B.O.B., and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will host numerous artworks. Other neighborhoods like East Hills, Monroe North, the West Side, South Division Avenue, and the Heartside Neighborhood will also showcase their share of artistic talent.

Visitors have the opportunity to vote for their favorite entry, with the winner receiving a $100,000 grand prize. This democratic aspect of the event adds an exciting layer to the experience, making it more than just a visual feast.

In addition to the main exhibition, ArtPrize will feature a series of special events over the next two weeks. These include an opening celebration with a parade, brass bands, costumed performers, and fireworks. Artist meet-and-greets, workshops, concerts, and student field trips will also take place, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Catlin Whitington, ArtPrize’s executive director, emphasizes the impact of the event on the community. “This amazing, iconic event is so impactful to so many people,” she said. “I would be hard pressed to be anywhere within a three-day drive and not want to come to ArtPrize.”

Kate Lieto, vice president of marketing at Experience Grand Rapids, compares ArtPrize to the “Super Bowl” of the region. In 2024, the event attracted an estimated 795,555 visitors, with 57% traveling from outside Kent County. Direct spending by these visitors was estimated at $50 million, highlighting the significant economic impact of the event.

Mayor David LaGrand of Grand Rapids looks forward to the city coming alive with art. “ArtPrize is an amazing, unique, world-class event,” he said. “Other cities have art museums; other cities have libraries. Nobody else has ArtPrize. It’s the one time of the year where you go downtown and you feel like you’re in Barcelona.”

Despite challenges, including a decline in entries following its 10-year anniversary in 2018 and a cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic, ArtPrize has made a strong comeback. The event is now overseen by a new organization, and the number of entries has been increasing. This year’s 931 entries are a testament to the growing interest and participation.

Whitington, who was hired to lead ArtPrize in 2023, is pleased with the progress. “We’re one of the largest direct to artist funding entities in the world,” he said. “There is not an opportunity like this, that I know of, where you can come down and experience and engage with this number of artists and this amount of artwork.”

While most of ArtPrize remains free, some experiences, like the ticketed exhibit Arborialis, require an admission fee. This inflatable structure offers a unique, immersive experience with colorful light and sound. However, it is not eligible for the event’s prizes.

ArtPrize not only boosts the arts and culture profile of Grand Rapids but also provides a significant boost to the local tourism and hospitality sector. Many downtown businesses report increased sales during the event, with 64% of surveyed businesses noting an increase in revenue.

Looking ahead, Mayor LaGrand is eager to see the city filled with art, visitors, and culture. He believes that ArtPrize remains fresh and forward-looking, offering a unique experience every year. “The rhythmic nature of it also helps it feel fresh,” he said.