All about ArtPrize – Tips and

Information

ArtPrize is Back!  This is what we all have been waiting for!  For those of you that are new to West Michigan, or are just hearing about ArtPrize for the first time, let me tell you a bit about this amazing two and a half week art festival.

ArtPrize is an international art competition in Grand Rapids, MI  that takes place biennially in late September.  Any artist working in any medium from anywhere in the world can participate. The competition is open to any creative with an artwork to enter and a venue willing to host it. Winners are voted on by the public and a panel of experts.   There are hundreds of thousands of dollars in  prizes and grants are awarded to artists.

The very first ArtPrize took place in 2009 and has become one of the most visited art festivals in the world. The anticipated attendance for 2021 is over 500,000. There are an average of 150 venues that participate with about 900 art  installations placed all around downtown Grand Rapids.  

With about 900 exhibits, It can be exhausting trying to see them all!  The ArtPrize organization does a fantastic job of handing out maps and having interactive maps you can download.  This year they even have a “game” for attendees.  You use your phone to scan QR codes at the exhibit you like and that is how you vote and you can even award the artists prizes!  For more information on this, go to ArtPrize.org.

Another thing to look out for when wandering through downtown are the colorful markers on the sidewalk.  These are the Pantone Pathways.  These colored arrows on the sidewalk cover 3 loops in downtown – North, South and West.  Each covers a different section of the 3-square-mil Art Prize district and will put you within a block of most ArtPrize exhibits. 

ArtPrize can be a bit overwhelming so here are a few tips to make your trip a little easier:

Parking is always a challenge but this interactive map will make it easier to find a convenient parking space. Another parking suggestion is to download the MOTU Parking app.  

https://grandrapids.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=19d11d58264249d4a4ca9f96758fc252

Another thing to look out for when wandering through downtown are the colorful markers on the sidewalk.  These are the Pantone Pathways.  These colored arrows on the sidewalk cover 3 loops in downtown – North, South and West.  Each covers a different section of the 3-square-mil Art Prize district and will put you within a block of most ArtPrize exhibits. 

Mobile GR operates a scooter and bike share program. You can find electric scooters and bikes in locations throughout downtown Grand Rapids to rent and ride throughout ArtPrize.

Plan ahead and do a little research.  Go on social media and look for some of the exhibits that you don’t want to miss.  Then have a look at your map and do a rough plan of your route.

Check the venue hours of exhibits that you would like to see.  Here are the minimum hours of operation but some may have extended hours.  

Minimum Venue Hours

• Monday-Thursday: 5–8 p.m.
• Friday & Saturday: Noon–8 p.m.
• Sunday: Noon–6 p.m.

If possible, go on a weekday.  Weekends of ArtPrize are busy but still extremely enjoyable.  There are 59 outside exhibits that, even with crowds,  are easy to walk around to enjoy.

Restrooms are always a good thing to know about – especially if you are bringing the kids!  There are public restrooms in Ah-Nab-Awen park as well as in participation hotels.  DeVos Place is also a good  place to”go”.

There are so many great works of art, but there are some crowd favorites that are must-sees:

“Before You Go” is located on the Blue Bridge.  It is an interactive exhibit in a phone booth with a recording

“My Dearest Friends Project” is located around the Grand Rapids Art Museum. An international, disability-led art collaboration archiving disabled stories.

“Adolescent Echo” is located behind the Public Museum.  An interactive collection of birdhouses that repeat short phrases when spoken to

“The Lamplighter”  is located on the lawn between the Public Museum and Blue Bridge.  A 12 ft tall interactive sculpture made out of hundreds of antiquated tools.  

“Homes” is located outside at Monroe Center. A large cut out of the Great Lakes covered in photos

Here is a link to a map of all of the exhibits on display at ArtPrize 2021

https://assets.artprize.org/assets/uploads/AP2021_Event-Guide(map).pdf?mtime=1630526885

ArtPrize is well worth a visit and all ages will enjoy the day out!