Grand Rapids’ long-running public art competition is coming back. Going live Sept. 14 and continuing to Oct. 1, the 18-day ArtPrize 2023 will attract about 800 international artists who compete for awards as they present displays and programming at 200 venues around the community that include galleries, storefronts, parks, museums, and other public spaces of all kinds. Most sites are within a three-mile radius of downtown, according to Executive Director Catlin Whitington.
The organization previously running the event had announced in 2022 that it would not continue. A new partnership comprised of Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, along with key donors, has taken over and is responsible for this new incarnation.
ArtPrize 2023 is bringing some new features. ArtPrize Oasis along the Grand River will offer attendees a place to relax and recharge, with three distinct areas offering fun, respite, or connection: The Artist Lounge, where participants can recharge and network; The Studio, a flex space for private events and public activities; and the Public Activation Area with games, seating, and art installations.
Another fresh attraction at ArtPrize 2023 is Merchants and Makers + ArtPrize Presents: The ArtPrize Artisan Market. “Merchants and Makers, the growing West Michigan collective of creatives and shops, is teaming up with ArtPrize to bring its new generation of craft fair to this year’s event,” Whitington says. “Over 80 vendors will sell their inspired, quirky, and stylish wares in an outdoor marketplace spanning the Gillett Bridge and stretching through Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
“All of this handmade goodness, along with food trucks and live artistic and musical performances, make it a relaxing and celebratory gathering.”
Also premiering at ArtPrize 2023 is the ArtPrize Clubhouse, a central gathering place for visitors and artists. The former Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts space is being reactivated for a variety of functions: customer support, with merchandise sales and credentialing; the Education & Volunteer Hub; a curated industrial design showcase of The Haworth Design Gallery; and The Theatre with presentations and panel discussions exploring trends in the world of art and design. On the fourth and fifth floors, Club Seen will feature performances and events alongside ArtPrize artist entries.
In addition, cash awards will continue for ArtPrize 2023 with five $15,000 visibility awards and $125,000 in prizes in a new digital category along with 2D, 3D, Installation, and Time-Based entries.
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