News Summary
Grand Rapids will host the 16th annual ArtPrize festival from September 18 to October 4, showcasing creativity and public art across various venues. The kickoff celebration on September 18 will feature live performances, food trucks, and a community mural project. This year will see 931 entries from artists worldwide, with exciting displays including an inflatable sculpture called Borealis. The festival not only supports artists with substantial awards but also injects considerable economic activity into the city, inviting locals and visitors to engage with the arts.
Grand Rapids is set to launch the 16th annual ArtPrize festival, running from September 18 to October 4, 2025, drawing significant attention as community efforts ramp up to celebrate the event. This year’s ArtPrize promises to showcase creativity and public art across various venues, attracting thousands of visitors to the city.
Uptown Grand Rapids is preparing for a kickoff celebration on Thursday, September 18, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the historic Hermitage at Diamond. Organized by Uptown, Inc., the kickoff will feature live performances from local artists, food trucks, a district-wide scavenger hunt, and the opportunity for attendees to view a selection of ArtPrize entries.
Participating Districts and Events
The Uptown district made its ArtPrize debut in 2024, with approximately 24 businesses showcasing artwork. This year’s excitement has grown significantly, with 33 businesses across the Eastown, East Hills, Wealthy Street, and East Fulton districts participating in the festival. The kickoff event will include a community mural project that encourages public involvement, along with performances by local groups such as Folias Duo, Arts in Motion, Vespa, Great Lakes Brass, and UptownPoem.
Festival Highlights
ArtPrize 2025 expects to see approximately 931 entries from artists hailing from 39 states and 18 countries, with art displayed in 155 venues across a 4.5-square-mile area. Among the standout features of this year’s festival is an immersive 9,000-square-foot inflatable sculpture, called Borealis, that will be transported from the UK.
The grand opening celebration will include a New Orleans-style parade, live performances, and a spectacular fireworks display downtown lasting from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. on the opening night. Visitors are encouraged to participate by voting for their favorite art entries using a QR code system, which is available for individuals aged 13 and above.
Awards and Economic Impact
ArtPrize boasts a strong commitment to supporting artists, having awarded $400,000 directly to participants and an additional $200,000 in grants since the festival’s inception. This year will feature both public and juried awards, with each offering a grand prize of $100,000 alongside various category prizes. Overall, the festival not only serves as a platform for artistic expression but also stimulates economic growth and enhances civic pride in Grand Rapids.
Last year, ArtPrize attracted 795,000 visitors, indicating a robust interest in the festival and its offerings. In addition to the primary exhibitions, the Merchants and Makers outdoor market will take place on three Saturdays during the festival, featuring local art, food, and live music to enrich the community atmosphere.
Conclusion
The kickoff for ArtPrize 2025 in Grand Rapids signifies more than just an art festival; it embodies a celebration of local culture and community engagement. With a multitude of events and a diverse range of artistic talent, this year’s festival is poised for an impactful start as it continues to inspire and unite residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM 13 News: ArtPrize 2025 Set to Dazzle Visitors
- Wikipedia: ArtPrize
- GR Kids: ArtPrize MI
- Google Search: ArtPrize 2025
- Fox 17 Online: ArtPrize Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ArtPrize
- MLive: ArtPrize is a Month Away
- Google News: ArtPrize 2025
- Awesome Mitten: ArtPrize Grand Rapids
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.
