At the April press announcement (photo: Vince Dudzinski)
The city of Grand Rapids has become an art gallery, thanks to an international art competition that runs from September 23 through October 10. ArtPrize has invited artists of all kinds from around the world to participate in an unprecedented competition that will award nearly one-half million dollars to prize winners, including $250,000 to the artist who receives the most public votes. With no formal jury, curator or judge, the public will decide who wins the prizes by voting, using mobile devices and the web.
ArtPrize art works and performances, professional and amateur, are being exhibited at hundreds of venues, all within a three-square mile area in Grand Rapids’ downtown riverfront district (view venue and downtown detail maps). The city has offered up parks and bridges for outdoor venue displays, and scores of businesses have converted lobbies and public space for displays. The competition was created by Rick DeVos and is being underwritten by the Dick & Betsy DeVos Family Foundation.
Several artists from the region are participating. IPR’s Brad Aspey travelled to Grand Rapids to report on the competition.
