ArtPrize 2024 kicks off with parades, fireworks

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Friday marked the start of ArtPrize, a massive art competition held across Grand Rapids created 15 years ago.

ArtPrize will run through Sept. 28. According to ArtPrize Executive Director Catlin Whitington, this year’s show will feature around 900 pieces of art spread across 183 venues.

It kicked off at 7 p.m. Friday with an opening celebration, which included three separate parades that will meet at the Pearl Street Bridge. The public had the opportunity to participate by meeting at 6:30 p.m. at one of the three starting areas: Fish Ladder Park, 555 Monroe Ave. NW or the ArtPrize ClubHouse at 61 Commerce Ave. SW.

A party was held at the Pearl Street Bridge, including music, food, drinks and visual displays. Then, ArtPrize unveiled a huge Canadian surprise : a massive 35-foot puppet that scaled the Amway Grand Plaza. The first day of celebrations ended with a fireworks display .

“I just love to see the creativity of the artists. It’s amazing what they come up with,” attendee Holly Haseley said. “And I really like the experiential aspect of it, that you can see it, touch it, feel it, and you’re not just looking at pictures.”

Once the competition reaches the halfway point, ArtPrize will hold the HalfTime Show from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, during which organizers will announce the top 100 entries.

ArtPrizegoers will still be able to vote for any entry through the end of the competition.

The winners will be announced during a block party outside Kendall College of Art and Design on Friday, Sept. 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. In all, $390,000 in prizes will be handed out.

The public vote grand prize winner will take home $125,000. Winners of six public vote and six juried category winners will get $10,000 each, plus there’s a $10,000 award for the venue jurors select as outstanding. The winner of the Artist to Artist award also wins $10,000. There are five juried visibility awards each carrying a $15,000 prize and a juried grand prize with a $50,000 grand prize.

To find more information about ArtPrize, including the schedule of events, visit the competition’s website .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.