ArtPrize

ArtPrize. It is an international, radically open art competition and cultural event held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded by entrepreneur Rick DeVos, the event distinguished itself by awarding some of the largest cash prizes in the art world and utilizing a unique dual voting system involving both public and expert jurors. For over a decade, it transformed the city's urban core into a temporary, citywide exhibition, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and generating significant economic and cultural discourse.

History

The inaugural event was launched in 2009 by Rick DeVos, grandson of Amway co-founder Richard DeVos, with the aim of catalyzing conversation and connecting communities through art. Inspired by concepts like crowdsourcing and the X Prize, the competition was designed to disrupt traditional art world hierarchies. Early editions were funded privately through the Dick & Betsy DeVos Family Foundation and other philanthropic entities. After a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was restructured and relaunched in 2022 under the stewardship of Kendall College of Art and Design, part of Ferris State University.

Format and rules

The event operated on an "open mandate" allowing any artist, working in any medium, to participate by securing a venue within the designated district of Downtown Grand Rapids. Hundreds of venues, including Grand Rapids Art Museum, local businesses like The B.O.B., and public parks, served as exhibition spaces. A defining feature was its dual award system: substantial monetary prizes were awarded based on votes from the general public and a separate set of awards determined by a jury of art professionals, such as curators from the Brooklyn Museum or the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. This structure often sparked debate about the relationship between popular taste and critical acclaim.

Impact and reception

The event had a profound economic impact on West Michigan, with studies estimating tens of millions of dollars in visitor spending during each iteration. It significantly elevated the national profile of Grand Rapids, Michigan as a cultural destination, drawing comparisons to other major art festivals like the Venice Biennale or Documenta in scale of public engagement. Critical reception was mixed; some praised its democratic ethos and community engagement, while others, including commentators in The New York Times and Artforum, critiqued its prize-driven model and the aesthetic preferences of the popular vote. The event undeniably spurred lasting infrastructure, including increased support for local institutions like the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts.

Notable winners and entries

Notable public vote grand prize winners include Ranjani Shettar for her installation "Whispering Leaves" and Chris LaPorte’s monumental pencil drawing "Cavalry, American Officers, 1921". The juried grand prize was awarded to works such as Michele Bosak’s "The Heart of the Woods" and Anila Quayyum Agha’s immersive "Intersections". Other memorable entries that captured significant attention include Ai Weiwei’s "Iron Tree" and the large-scale sculpture "Lakota Doll" by Peter "Wolf" Toth, part of his Whispering Giants series. These works often garnered coverage in major outlets like The Guardian and CNN.

Related events and legacy

The model inspired similar events in other cities, such as Award:, and its emphasis on public interaction influenced placemaking strategies nationwide. Its educational arm, ArtPrize Education, partnered with schools across Kent County, Michigan. Following its relaunch, the event is now integrated into the academic framework of Kendall College of Art and Design, focusing more on curated exhibitions and artist support. The legacy persists in the city's vibrant public art scene, including permanent installations that originated as entries, and its role in debates about cultural populism, patronage, and the mechanics of the art market.

Category:Art competitions in the United States Category:Culture in Grand Rapids, Michigan Category:Recurring events established in 2009 Category:Ferris State University