Art Prize 2023 Guide UPDATED - Interactive Walking Map and Tour of Venues at ArtPrize, Tips, How to Vote and Voting Rules, Parking in Grand Rapids Michigan! (How to Get to ArtPrize)
Art Prize 2023 Guide UPDATED - Interactive Walking Map and Tour of Venues at ArtPrize, Tips, How to Vote and Voting Rules, Parking in Grand Rapids Michigan! (How to Get to ArtPrize)
By: Sherry Trautman | Updated: September 14, 2023 | Travel-Mi.com
Is ArtPrize happening in 2023? Yes, absolutely, and Chris and I can't wait!
Downtown Grand Rapids Michigan, with its myriad venues, transforms into an art lover's paradise during Art Prize each September. You'll see monumental sculptures that defy gravity, intricate paintings that reveal stories untold, and thought provoking installations located in venues throughout the downtown Grand Rapids area.
So, whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or simply seeking artistic inspiration, Art Prize promises an unforgettable experience this September in west Michigan. You'll see so many fantastic works of art in numerous public spaces that it'll blow your mind!
In This Complete 2023 Art Prize Guide We Will Cover:
- When is Art Prize?
- Is ArtPrize Free?
- What is ArtPrize?
- How Much do You Win in ArtPrize?
- What is the Biggest Prize for Artists?
- Interactive Walking Map and Tour of Venues at ArtPrize
- ArtPrize Fun Facts: How Many Entries are There in ArtPrize?
- Category Entries
- Where is the Best Place to Park for the ArtPrize?
- Is There an App for ArtPrize?
- How to Vote and Voting Rules
- The ArtPrize ClubHouse
- Our Valuable Tips
- Our Favorite Art Prize Venues
When is 2023 Art Prize? What are the Dates for ArtPrize in Grand Rapids?
Will there be an ArtPrize 2023? YES!
2023 ArtPrize is located in Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan
September 14 - October 1, 2023
Is ArtPrize Free?
Yes! It's free to attend ArtPrize and it is open to the public.
What is Grand Rapids ArtPrize?
ArtPrize is an open, independently organized international art competition that occurs in throughout Grand Rapids, Michigan. The show is open to any creative with an artwork to enter and a venue open to hosting the work.
ArtPrize celebrates artists working in all mediums from anywhere in the world.
For 18 days, art is exhibited throughout the city in public parks and museums, in galleries and vacant storefronts, in bars and on bridges.
How is the work judged? The public decides the winner by utilizing the ArtPrize mobile app.
First time visiting ArtPrize and Grand Rapids? See our insider tips, parking suggestions and guide on how to get around Art Prize like a local.
How Much do You Win in ArtPrize? What is the Prize Money?
ArtPrize awards $600,000 directly to artists. $400,000 is awarded in prizes and $200,000 is distributed in grants to artists, curators, and educators.
What is the Biggest Prize for Artists? What is the Prize for ArtPrize?
The biggest prize is the Grand Prize which awards an artist $125,000! The second place prize is $75,000 and the third place prize is $50,000!
Interactive Map of Art Prize and Walking Tour of Venues - How do I get to ArtPrize 2023?
Where is the ArtPrize in Grand Rapids? Check out our map!
Be sure to click on this LIVE GOOGLE MAP of ART PRIZE 2023 so you can walk and find your locations at ArtPrize.
- Click on the plus and minus in the left corner to zoom in or out of the map.
- Click on the icons for more info, addresses and photos of the stops.
- Click on the map to drag and move it to view surrounding areas.
- In the Header, click on the rectangle in the upper left of the map to see a menu of all of our stops. Click on anything that looks interesting to see where it is on the map. To hide the menu, click the rectangle in the header.
- In the Header, click on the "square" icon in the upper right side to expand the map for better viewing.
ArtPrize Fun Facts: How Many Entries are There in ArtPrize?
- This year, there are 152 venues at ArtPrize! (So you will definitely need our interactive ArtPrize walking map above.)
- There are over 950 artists are participating in ArtPrize!
- There will be 25 finalists!
- ArtPrize draws a whopping 500,000+ visitors.
The show, for me, is absolutely phenomenal. I get so inspired speaking with the artists and viewing the art. Plus we get to visit beautiful city of Grand Rapids, MI while enjoying 2-D and 3-D art installations! There's lots of unique food choices along Monroe and Division Streets while you enjoy the art. Be sure to pop into local businesses too, they will love to see you!
Art Prize Category Entries: Judged by a Jury of Creatives
In 2023, there will be five categories at ArtPrize. There will be juried awards in each category:
- 2-D
- 3-D
- Installation
- Time-Based
- Digital
There will be a juror assigned to each category who will determine the winners and honorable mentions in each category listed above.
Where is the Best Place to Park for the ArtPrize?
Every year, I tend to park near The B.O.B. as it houses two floors of art and is pretty centrally located.
The Grand Rapids parking garage we like to use is located at the corner of Ottawa and Fulton. It's a covered, paved, well lit structure that has never caused me any concern...and I park there by myself.
Pay by credit card upon exiting.
**TIP: I always photograph the street signs, note a visual landmark or drop a pin on my phone when I leave my parking space. Sometimes parking garages have several entrances which can be confusing so note where you came out. Photograph the level you are parked on.
Is There an App for ArtPrize?
Once you are within the ArtPrize boundaries in downtown Grand Rapids, you will need to register to vote on your phone. You must utilize a Smartphone to cast your vote.
Many of the ArtPrize artists will have a QR code near their art for easy voting. Using your phone's camera, simply hover over the QR code to prompt the registration screen to open. From there you can vote for your favorite art piece.
How do You Vote for the ArtPrize? Public Voting How-To
How does voting work? Here are the 2023 rules:
- You must be over 13 years old and present at ArtPrize to vote.
There are two rounds of voting:
Preliminary Voting, Round 1:
- Your first vote for Round 1 must be cast while you are currently present within the ArtPrize District. The easiest way to do this is to scan the QR code of an artist's work that you like and it will open the registration screen.
- In-person votes can be cast from the ArtPrize Concierge at 2 Fulton St. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. within the terms of the preliminary round of voting. Be sure to bring the five digit vote code assigned to the art piece and/or QR vote code so you can submit an in-person vote.
- You can vote daily, one vote per entry, per day.
- You can vote for as many entries, per day, as you want.
- Voters will pick the Top 25 Public Vote finalists. Voting for Round 1 occurs from September 14, 2023 at 5:00pm until September 21, 2023 at 11:59 am.
Top 25 Voting, Round 2 - Voters will pick the winners from "Public Vote" finalists.
- Voting for the Top 25 is September 22, 2023 at 8 p.m. EDT until September 29, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. EDT.
-
You do not need to return to the ArtPrize boundaries to vote in the final
round of voting if you voted before and are already registered.
- You may vote daily, one vote per entry, per day.
- You can vote for as many of the Top 25 entries, per day, as you want
- If you prefer to vote in-person, head to the ArtPrize Concierge located at 2 Fulton St. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan from 12 p.m. – 8
p.m. Be sure to bring the 5 digit code of the artwork you wish to vote for (I'd also bring the name of the art piece and artist just in case.)
The artist with the most votes will win First Place and a $125,000 Public Vote Grand Prize! The Second Place winner will be awarded $50,000, and the Third Place winner will be awarded $25,000. That's one heck of a great reason to enter ArtPrize with your art!
The ArtPrize ClubHouse
The ArtPrize ClubHouse is a gathering place for visitors and artists alike. There's customer support, merchandise, and credentials at The Concierge. Participants can enjoy the amenities of the Artist Lounge, while downstairs in The Theatre, presentations and panel discussions will explore trends in the world of art and design.
Art Prize Tips: Be Sure to Visit The B.O.B., DeVos Place, Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum, Kendall College of Art and Design for Fantastic Art Installations
Generally bigger venues house the Top 20 or so art pieces so you will see the most "wow" artwork in the shortest period of time. It usually takes around four to five hours to see the art listed in the major venues below.
- The Bob
- DeVos Place
- The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
- Amway Grand Plaza
- Grand Rapids Art Museum
- Kendall College of Art and Design
Our Favorite Art Prize Venues
Please Note: All photos are from past Art Prize's but gives you the idea of what to expect. The venues are the same but with different art (of course.)
- We always start at The B.O.B. (20 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids), as it houses around 70-80 pieces of art within the two story eclectic venue. See who can spot the walls covered in smashed cans!!
- Plus it's a great place to grab lunch.
There is a good restaurant on the second floor that offers a buffet of salad, pizza and pasta. Fresh, healthy options.
Don't miss the basement as artists may be creating live art and it's fun to discuss their creative process. Plan to spend at least an hour here.
- Homewood Suites (161 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids) had an outstanding surprise one year. It housed my absolute favorite art piece which was this carriage with glass roses and tons of details. We loved this venue as there were many "wow" pieces.
- The Grand Rapids Art Museum (101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids) usually has large pieces that have that "WOW" factor. Plus entry to the museum is free! Plan to spend around 20 minutes there depending on the line to get in.
- The Devos Place (303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids) is another huge venue with lots of entries. The space is breathtaking so don't miss it. Wander around, take photos and enjoy the beauty of the building and art. Plan about an hour at the The Devos Place.
Be sure to continue along the very long hallway to the left of the entrance of the Devos Place on the second level as ArtPrize entries are along this hall that connects to The Amway Grand Plaza hotel.
The String Project is one of my favorite pieces that is the hallway between The Devos Place and the Amway Grand. Very cool idea that the world is connected and what we do can affect others. Love the concept.
To the left of this art piece is a tube that crosses the road and takes you into the Amway Grand Plaza hotel. Continue along!!
- The Amway Grand Plaza (187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids) is a must see venue during Art Prize. First, the hotel is stunning with chandeliers and their own art. Be sure to check out their great boutiques shops. Plan to spend about an hour in the Amway Grand Plaza and maybe grab a drink or dinner.
Restrooms are located to the right of the reception desk. Be sure to check out the amazing chandeliers!!
- Grand River Art-as you walk over the Grand River, be sure to look for art on the bridge and in the river. Each year artists think of creative installations in the river and the grassy area in front of the Gerald Ford.
We felt it necessary to play with the giant red cast alligators. Lots of shenanigans ensued! Lots of chances to take silly photos for social media such as Instagram or Facebook!
Take time to relax and enjoy the area and the fantastic views of the city and the river!
- The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum (303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids) houses around 25 entries and is always a favorite of mine. There is usually exquisite sculpture, massive paintings and fiber art. LOVE IT HERE.
You can then wander around the museum and visit their gift shop. Be sure to take photos of their fantastic outdoor fountain and visit the outdoor venues also. All for free.
Time spent here varies as it depends upon your interest level and if you explore the museum or gift shop. Plan around 30-60 minutes.
- Grand Rapids African American Museum- (87 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids) This venue was also interesting as it housed a giant painting of Oprah (previous year) and also some very striking drawings.
This is a short stop but worth it for the quality of the art displayed inside. Sometimes the artists are present.
- Art Studios at 40 Monroe Center. This is a working permanent studio for these artists. Plus there are numerous other ArtPrize exhibits in this space. The artists are very friendly and it's worth the stop!
Be sure to visit Art Prize if it's the only art show you do this year.
You can spend anywhere from an afternoon to three days visiting all the venues! I recommend starting with the big venues and then wander down Monroe Center NW, as I stated above. This will give you around 6-7 hours of art viewing. Enjoy!
Have A Great Story About This Topic?
Do you have a great story about visiting here? Share it!
What Other Visitors Have Said
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...