ArtPrize Grand Rapids 2024 | Top 10 Things to Know & Do
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Grand Rapids has established itself as a cultural hub in Michigan, boasting dozens of museums and plenty of public art displays. But perhaps there’s no better proof of its commitment to arts and culture than ArtPrize Grand Rapids.
This international arts festival is a massive celebration of all things art. It’s an independent international art competition that welcomes artists across all mediums, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to showcase their work and compete for recognition.
With so much to see and do at ArtPrize each year, these are the top 10 things to know about this world-renowned art festival.
ArtPrize is inclusive, international, and interactive.
ArtPrize is an independent international art competition, and it has come to be known as the best annual celebration of art in Grand Rapids. It was first hosted in 2009, but since then, it has grown to be one of the most beloved events in the city.
Today, ArtPrize is a collaboration between the City of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., and Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design.
What makes ArtPrize unique is that it’s an open competition that takes place in venues across Grand Rapids Michigan. Any artist — from any medium or any country in the world — can apply to participate in the competition.
Also, any venue within the ArtPrize district that wants to host a work of art is welcome to apply. It’s incredibly welcoming and inclusive and has allowed artists to forge partnerships with Grand Rapids organizations that have lasted a lifetime.
ArtPrize awards over $600,000 to artists.
Each year, ArtPrize provides artists with more than $600,000 in grants and funding, recognizing them for their work and offering support that will allow them to continue creating art. As a non-profit organization, ArtPrize fundraises all year to cover operating costs and artists’ prizes.
ArtPrize awards separate prizes from public voting as well as a juried selection process. The public vote determines the grand prize winner and the winner of 6 different categories:
- 2D: paintings, drawings, photography
- 3D: non-location-specific sculptures
- Time-Based: performance and interactive art
- Installation: 3D art where the location is part of the experience
- New Media: emerging digital art technologies
- +Design: art impacting the life experience including fashion, automotive, furniture design, and more
A panel of experts also awards a juried prize in each of these 6 categories as well.
You get to vote for the ArtPrize winners.
One of the best parts of ArtPrize is the way the public can vote for their favorite exhibits throughout the competition. Artists, business owners, and attendees all wait with excitement to find out who the grand prize winners will be each year.
To vote, attendees must be at least 13 years old and present in the ArtPrize district. Simply scan the QR code associated with the art exhibit, register through the Flockx webapp, and start voting.
ArtPrize has a positive impact on the community.
Spanning a few weeks each fall, this festival brings people to Grand Rapids and fuels economic growth. It also sparks conversation and encourages people to witness, absorb, and discuss the impact of art within their own communities.
Visiting ArtPrize will take you on a tour of the lively city of Grand Rapids.
ArtPrize is an ongoing festival that provides plenty of opportunities to personalize your experience and enjoy the events in a way that works for you.
By far, the most popular thing to do at ArtPrize is to visit the various venues throughout the city that host artwork and to experience the art that’s on display there. These tours of Grand Rapids will take you to local parks, public squares, museums, art galleries, vacant storefronts, and more.
ArtPrize is full of unique events and experiences.
In addition to searching for art at nearly every corner, you can enjoy a variety of pop-up-style ArtPrize events including:
- Concerts
- Art-making for people of all ages
- Dance parties
- Mini festivals
The events calendar changes from year to year, but you can review the full schedule in the weeks leading up to and during the competition.
ArtPrize is the perfect reason to enjoy even more of Grand Rapids’ best attractions.
As you wind your way throughout the city to see the artists and their incredible works, you’ll find many other things to do in Grand Rapids. However, below are some of the most popular attractions.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Nature and beauty meet as one at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This Grand Rapids museum has become famous for its winding gardens and larger-than-life sculptures, making it a favorite destination among visitors of all ages.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Boasting more than 250,000 artifacts and specimens, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is one of the largest museums of its kind in the state of Michigan. Art-minded visitors would be remiss to come to the city and not spend an afternoon exploring this magnificent museum.
John Ball Zoo
The John Ball Zoo is a seasonal attraction in Grand Rapids, but it’s open during the fall months when the ArtPrize is taking place. Families love to go to this intimate zoo and interact with the animals in a way that feels up close and personal.
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
Gerald R. Ford is the only U.S. President to hail from Michigan, so it only makes sense that his presidential museum is located in his hometown of Grand Rapids. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum contains information and artifacts from his administration.
Grand Rapids is full of amazing restaurants.
Grand Rapids is not only a haven for artists but also an up-and-coming destination for foodies. Below are the best local restaurants to check out during the ArtPrize Grand Rapids competition.
The Sovengard
The Sovengard is a Scandinavian-inspired restaurant, which is perfect for those who are searching for international fare during the ArtPrize festival. Its daily menu relies heavily on fresh produce that’s harvested from local West Michigan farms.
Forty Acres Soul Kitchen
This restaurant celebrates African American culture and heritage, and it’s well known for using recipes that have been handed down for generations. It’s one of the best restaurants in Grand Rapids for enjoying authentic soul food.
Butcher’s Union
Butcher’s Union is a steakhouse in downtown Grand Rapids that features a historic vibe and an eclectic menu. It’s known best for its meat and whiskey, but there are plenty of options that appeal to any person’s palate.
Grand Rapids has many welcoming lodging options.
From opulent hotels to warm and welcoming vacation rentals, there are many lodging options available near the ArtPrize competition. These are some of the best places to stay in Grand Rapids.
Amway Grand Plaza
Perhaps the most luxurious hotel in the city, the Amway Grand Plaza is a sophisticated hotel with cosmopolitan flair. It’s perfect for those who want to indulge in the finer things during their stay.
The Parsonage Inn
Located in the historic Heritage Hill neighborhood, this bed and breakfast is housed in a 19th-century Queen Anne home. It’s an opportunity to step into the past while staying in Grand Rapids.
Vacation Rentals
Visitors will find that there are many vacation rentals available in Grand Rapids, ranging from downtown lofts to historic homes in the Heritage Hill neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About ArtPrize Grand Rapids
What is ArtPrize in Grand Rapids?
ArtPrize Grand Rapids is an independent art festival that welcomes artists from all over the world across all mediums. It was first hosted in 2009 and has quickly become a favorite fall festival in Michigan.
Where is ArtPrize in Grand Rapids?
ArtPrize is a unique festival in the sense that it doesn’t take place in one specific location. Rather, the entries for this independent international art competition are displayed throughout every corner of Grand Rapids.
You’ll find art on display in common places, such as parks and museums. But, you’ll also find hidden treasures tucked away in other surprising locales, such as on bridges or in the windows of storefronts.
Of course, there’s art on display in art galleries as well. Essentially, you can find ArtPrize everywhere in Grand Rapids at once.
Who won ArtPrize in Grand Rapids Michigan?
The winners of ArtPrize 2024 will be announced at the end of September.
What are the dates of ArtPrize in Grand Rapids Michigan?
The 2024 ArtPrize in Grand Rapids will take place from September 13 until September 28.
Where do you park for the ArtPrize in Grand Rapids MI?
As the festival takes place throughout the entire city, visitors can use either street parking or any number of public parking lots to attend ArtPrize.
The Government Center Ramp (300 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503) just across from DeVos Place is very convenient to the center of downtown.
ArtPrize just might become your favorite fall tradition in West Michigan.
Whether you’re a local or an out-of-towner, ArtPrize Grand Rapids has art to inspire and activities to entertain everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to see some of the most stunning artwork of the year from talented artists of all kinds.
ArtPrize Grand Rapids has become a fall tradition in Michigan, but it’s just one of many Michigan fall festivals that take place across the state throughout September, October, and November.
Whether you are coming to the west side of the state to see the fall colors bloom, or you are simply looking for a fun way to spend the weekend in Grand Rapids, you are sure to love the world-renowned ArtPrize festival. ArtPrize Grand Rapids is one of the most cultural things to do in West Michigan during the fall.