ArtPrize returns after multi-year hiatus
Sep. 2—We are just two weeks away from the start of one of the region's biggest attractions — ArtPrize is returning to Grand Rapids.
The international competition is coming back for the first time since 2018.
The biannual event was canceled last year because of the pandemic. Despite a rising number of COVID-19 cases at present, the event will go on later this month.
"It's incredible, the response we've had from artists who were so enthusiastic to come back and show their work," said Katie Moore, senior exhibition manager for Art Prize. "And really, after the pandemic, having this great energy and seeing the work is starting to go in. And a lot of the murals and larger installations, like the energy and excitement, is already building downtown. It's amazing."
ArtPrize is a Grand Rapids-wide event. For 18 days, art is exhibited all over the city in a variety of mediums from murals to art installations.
The independent organization awards $450,000 to the winning artist through grants.
Organizers say the event attracts 500,000 people from all over the world and can generate more than $30 million for West Michigan.
With the delta variant continuing to plague the country, safety is at the forefront of everyone's mind.
"We have a ton of amazing outdoor art, and it's spread all over the city," Moore said. "So, you can engage at whatever level you want to as a visitor at ArtPrize. If you want to see all these amazing outdoor sculptures, go for it. We'll have a guide published next week on our website of strictly outdoor art."
ArtPrize begins Sept. 16 and runs through Oct. 3.
New this year, many of the artwork pieces you will see around the city will be available for sale in an online auction.
