News Summary
ArtPrize, an international art competition, will return to Grand Rapids, showcasing over 1,100 artists and 900 entries from September 18 to October 4. With $400,000 in prize money and activities like live performances and fireworks, the event promises to enrich the city’s cultural landscape. Voting begins on September 19, inviting public participation, while new installations and engaging venues highlight artistic innovation. The festival emphasizes accessibility to art, fostering a vibrant community celebration.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – ArtPrize, the acclaimed international art competition, is set to return to Grand Rapids from September 18 to October 4, 2025. The event will showcase a remarkable selection of over 1,100 artists and more than 900 entries, which will be displayed across an impressive 155 venues throughout the city.
The competition features significant awards, including two primary prizes each valued at $100,000: the Public Grand Prize and the Juried Grand Prize. In total, ArtPrize will distribute $400,000 in prize money across multiple categories. These will include six public and six juried categories, each worth $10,000. Additionally, five awards of $10,000 will be designated as Visibility Awards, aimed at recognizing artists from underrepresented communities, while a $5,000 Venue Award will recognize thoughtful curation of the exhibits.
The festival’s closing ceremonies will take place on October 3 at Studio Park, starting at 6:30 p.m., where winners will be announced. Festivities kick off with an Opening Celebration on September 19 at Rosa Parks Circle, which will include performances, a parade, and fireworks. Midway through the event, a Halftime Celebration on September 26 at Sixth Street Park will feature live music and a special presentation of the top 20 entries.
Voting for the artworks is open to the public starting at noon on September 19 and will continue until October 2, with each participant allowed one vote per piece each day. Digital voting requires registration on the Flockx platform, although paper ballots will also be available for those preferring conventional methods. While many artworks will be displayed outdoors or in public windows, some installations may necessitate entry into local businesses or organizations.
Art will be featured across five districts in Grand Rapids: Center City, North, East, South, and West, leveraging a diverse range of locations including restaurants, museums, public spaces, churches, and local businesses. This format not only enriches the urban landscape but also engages the community in a celebration of creativity and artistic expression.
ArtPrize has a proven track record of drawing nearly a million visitors, significantly boosting local tourism and economic activity each year. The ArtPrize Clubhouse will act as the central hub for information and events, operating daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) will be among the primary venues offering its space to showcase various art pieces during the festival.
This year’s event will also feature unique installations like “Arborialis” and “BioPhilia,” designed to provide immersive and innovative experiences for attendees. ArtPrize adheres to its core mission of promoting free access to art, with the majority of venues remaining free to the public.
Parking options throughout Grand Rapids will vary, including both paid and free spots to accommodate visitors. Artists interested in participating in future ArtPrize events can find submission guidelines on the official ArtPrize website. In total, ArtPrize will contribute $200,000 in grants to support local artists, emphasizing community engagement alongside artistic innovation.
As ArtPrize 2025 approaches, excitement builds for what promises to be another dynamic celebration of art and creativity, further establishing Grand Rapids as a vital hub for artistic expression.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Poutine Prize Returns to Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids to Host ArtPrize 2025, Celebrating Global Art
Grand Rapids Hosts Free Concert Featuring Tiera Kennedy
Volunteer Opportunities for ArtPrize 2025 in Grand Rapids
West Michigan Italian Festival Set to Return
Grand Rapids to Feature Unique Inflatable Art Exhibit
Grand Rapids Public Schools Graduates Favor Community College
Grand Rapids Hosts Weekend of Art, Music, and Culture
Grand Rapids Gears Up for ArtPrize 2025 and Arborialis Exhibit
Grand Rapids Gears Up for ArtPrize 2025
Additional Resources
- WZZM 13: ArtPrize Guide 2025
- Gander Newsroom: What You Need to Know About ArtPrize 2025
- Fox 17: ArtPrize Preview and Upcoming Events
- MLive: ArtPrize is a Month Away – 5 Things to Know
- Awesome Mitten: ArtPrize Grand Rapids Overview
- Wikipedia: ArtPrize
- Google Search: ArtPrize
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ArtPrize
- Google News: ArtPrize
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
