Art Prize 2021 | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan
ArtPrize is back in 2021! Returning to Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan September 16 - October 3, 2021. Grab our invaluable interactive map of the venues so you can easily find the art at ArtPrize this year.
Will There Be Art Prize 2021? Yes! We are thrilled it's back!
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.
For 18 days, art is exhibited throughout the city in public parks and museums, in galleries and vacant storefronts, in bars and on bridges. $250,000 in prizes are awarded by the public (that’s you!), including a $50,000 grand prize.
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.
The show, for me, is absolutely phenomenal. I get so inspired speaking with the artists and those viewing the art. Plus we get to visit beautiful Grand Rapids, MI!
How do I get to ArtPrize 2021?
Be sure to click on this LIVE GOOGLE MAP of ART PRIZE 2021 so you can walk and find your locations at ArtPrize.
How to Use the Interactive 2021 Art Prize Map Above
Note: All photos are from past Art Prize's but give you the idea of what to expect. The venues are the same but with different art.
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 for around $12. Very 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.
Right next door to The B.O.B is the Venue Tower Apartments with about 30 entries. There are paintings, a holographic exhibit and an exhibit with sounds.
You can see this in about 10 minutes so it's worth a quick stop. Plus they have a restroom.
Be sure to continue along the very long highway 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 a road and takes you into the Amway Grand Plaza hotel. Continue along!!
The majority of the art is located to the right of the reception desk. Restrooms are located to the right of the reception desk. Be sure to check out the amazing chandeliers!!
We felt it necessary to play with the giant red cast alligators. Lots of shenanigans ensued!
Take time to relax and enjoy the area and the fantastic views of the city and the river!
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.
This is a short stop but worth it for the quality of the art displayed inside. Arts are also on hand to meet.
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 hour of art viewing. Enjoy!
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How do I get to ArtPrize 2021? Not rated yet
I'm wondering how to find my way around Grand Rapids for Art Prize. Any help would be great. Thank you, Theresa
Answer
Hi Theresa!
We created …