ArtPrize and Downtown Grand Rapids, MI

Starting the conversation that changed the arts world

Starting a conversationGet the community talking about:

• The role of art• The magic line of

appropriateness• What constitutes as art• What you like vs. what

we like• Seeing yourself as an

artist• The moments you

shared exploring Downtown

Encourage everyone to participateAnyone 18+ can enter

• Only $50 to enter• ArtPrize website

connects artists with venues

• Artist and venues develop curatorial relationship

• Over 4,000 unique artists entered through first four years

Make Downtown the VenueHundreds of venues include:

• Traditional Institutions• Open Spaces• The Public Realm• Geographic Features• Restaurants• Businesses• Offices• Contextual Inspirations

Empower People to Choose their WinnerAttendees vote via paper ballots, web, and app interfaces:

• Popular votes narrow field to a Top Ten

• People learn how the community is favoring certain pieces

• Democratizes the role of and appreciation of art

• Top vote getter wins $250,000 first prize

First Year Results: OverwhelmingWhen launched in 2009, ArtPrize exceeded everyone’s expectations:

• 200,000 people attended• Restaurants ran out of

food and beverage and had to close

• More than 1,200 art pieces entered

• People’s choice award now on display at local wine bar

Community Oriented Installations

Generating Worldwide RecognitionArtPrize puts Grand Rapids in the media both nationally and internationally

• Largest cash prize of all art contests on the planet

• Hotels sell out well in advance of event

• Named on of “The Top Five Worldwide Events for 2013” by Time Magazine

• Regular coverage by WSJ• 2012 GQ Feature

Economic Impact2011 Grand Valley State University – Economic Impact Analysis

• Analysis of 2011 ArtPrize showed a $15.4 annual economic injection to local economy

• Hotels and restaurants regard ArtPrize as the biggest week in sales for the year

Lasting LegaciesMany pieces in private space become permanent “public” art

• Permanent pieces range from mosaics to statues to graffiti art

• Legacies contribute to a more vibrant public realm

• ‘Nessie’ relocated within the City to the John Ball Park Zoo

Keeping the Conversation GoingAll forms and content permitted

• ArtPrize does not filter or censor entries – that is the call of the venue

• Art pieces range from whimsical to mature

• Open source format enables unique collection each year

ArtPrize: Innervating the Streets and Skies