September 12, 2025

ArtPrize 2025 Set to Transform Grand Rapids

News Summary

Grand Rapids will host ArtPrize 2025 from September 18 to October 4, turning the city into a vibrant showcase of creativity. The event features contributions from over 1,100 artists globally, with a standout attraction being the 9,000-square-foot ‘Borealis’ sculpture. Attendees can enjoy a lively parade, musical festival, and community interactions while exploring diverse venues throughout the city. With significant cash prizes and numerous activities, ArtPrize continues its legacy of celebrating art and community engagement since its inception.

Grand Rapids, Michigan will host ArtPrize 2025 from September 18 to October 4, transforming the city into a vibrant art showcase. This annual event is a celebration of creativity that invites participation from both artists and the public. Executive Director Catlin Whitington notes that the festival provides an opportunity for individuals to explore downtown and become actively involved in community life.

The opening celebration will kick off with a lively New Orleans-style second-line parade, bringing together festivity and artistic expression in a unique fashion. Numerous activities are scheduled to take place in Rosa Parks Circle, establishing an engaging atmosphere for attendees of all ages.

Among the highlighting artworks is Borealis, an inflatable sculpture measuring 9,000 square feet and towering 35 feet high, which is set to be transported from the UK. This sculpture is expected to captivate audiences and add to the diversity of artistic presentation at the festival. Previous ArtPrize entries have included a marionette ascending the Amway Grand Plaza, showcasing the vast range of creativity exhibited throughout the event.

ArtPrize has a rich history of community engagement since its inception in 2009, awarding a total of $6.9 million to artists and receiving participation from over 4.1 million voters. This upcoming edition will feature entries from over 1,100 artists, including individuals from 39 states and 18 countries, with a total of 931 entries anticipated. The event encourages inclusivity, allowing anyone, regardless of background, to participate as either an artist or a voter for their favorite artwork.

ArtPrize 2025 will showcase artistic expressions across 155 venues located throughout various districts in Grand Rapids, such as downtown, northside, southside, eastside, and westside. The event aims to activate local businesses by diversifying the locations of artwork installations beyond just downtown venues.

The festival will also feature a halftime musical festival, highlighting performances by artists from both within and outside the state. In addition to the artistic displays, attendees can participate in educational sessions, community gatherings, and artist meet-and-greets, fostering interactions between creators and art enthusiasts.

Key events during ArtPrize 2025 include:

The Opening Celebration on September 19 at Rosa Parks Circle, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The Merchants and Makers Market on three consecutive Saturdays: September 20, September 27, and October 4.
A halftime show featuring live performances on September 27.
The ArtPrize Awards Ceremony on October 3 at Studio Park, where winners will be recognized.

Both public and juried awards will provide a grand prize of $100,000 along with additional cash prizes across various categories, ensuring noteworthy recognition for extraordinary artistic talent. Expect a wide variety of artistic works at the event, including installations, paintings, and sculptures, as well as immersive experiences designed to engage the audience.

Prominent venues for art displays are anticipated to include the Grand Rapids Art Museum and other local cultural establishments, further enhancing the cultural landscape during the event. With its rich mix of traditional and contemporary art forms, ArtPrize 2025 promises not only to beautify the city but also to foster a sense of community pride and collective experience.

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Additional Resources

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.

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