They say all good things come to an end and in the case of Artprize that time has come. A groundbreaking Art Competition launched in Grand Rapids 13 years ago shared the news in a press release.

Artprize Calls It Quit After 13 Years

"What started as an experiment in 2009 quickly became something more, and we have an entire community to thank for embracing the ArtPrize idea and taking it to amazing heights, Together, we were able to stimulate thought and creativity by celebrating art, supporting artists, exploring familiar and not-so-familiar venues, and starting entirely new conversations." - ArtPrize Founder and Chairman Rick DeVos.

 

Artprize Became A Destination Event For People Around Michigan And The World

Over the past thirteen years, ArtPrize became a destination event for people in West Michigan and around the world. While I have no artistic ability, I really enjoyed ArtPrize because it exposed me to so many cool things I could have never imagined. My Grandma heard about Artprize and drove up from Ohio to check it out with me and was blown away by what she saw.

“Every destination community has a destination event that captures the spirit and aspirations of that community. For us, ArtPrize has been a manifestation of the independent creative spirit that defines Grand Rapids, and has captured the imagination of people from around the world, Rick DeVos and the ArtPrize Board have laid out a roadmap and a foundation that we’re grateful for, and excited to build upon.” - Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss

 

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What's Going To Happen Now That ArtPrize Is Done?

According to MliveDowntown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), the city of Grand Rapids, and Kendall College of Art and Design (KCAD) of Ferris State University will now collectively lead this new initiative. While ArtPrize as we know it is calling it quits, the organization said in a news release that it's making

a catalytic gift of its creative, technological, and communications platforms to a new partnership for a new experiment that will build upon the legacy of the international art competition, effectively 'ArtPrize 2.0.

How Much Money Was Given Out During ArtPrize?

Over the thirteen events since 2009 ArtPrize awarded more than $6 million through a combination of public votes, juried awards, and grants.

These Are All The Winners From ArtPrize Over The Years

Take a look back at some of these amazing winners from past ArtPrize competitions.

ArtPrize 2009 Public Vote - Open Water no.24 by Ran Ortner

Credit: Ran Ortner via Facebook
Credit: Ran Ortner via Facebook
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ArtPrize 2010 Public Vote - Cavalry, American Officers, 1921 by Chris LaPorte

Credit: Chris LaPorte via Facebook
Credit: Chris LaPorte via Facebook
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ArtPrize 2011 Public Vote - Crucifixion by Mia Tavonatti

Credit: Artprize / Brian Kelly via Facebook
Credit: Artprize / Brian Kelly via Facebook
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ArtPrize 2012 Public Vote  - Elephants by Adonna Khare

Credit: Adonna Khare Artist via Facebook
Credit: Adonna Khare Artist via Facebook
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ArtPrize 2013 Public Vote - Sleeping Bear Dune Lakeshore by Ann Loveless

Credit: Ann Loveless via Facebook
Credit: Ann Loveless via Facebook
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ArtPrize 2014 Public Vote - Intersections by Anila Quayyum Agha

Credit: Anila Quayyum Agha via Facebook
Credit: Anila Quayyum Agha via Facebook
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ArtPrize 2015 Public Vote - Northwood Awakening  by Steven & Ann Loveless

Credit: Downtown Petoskey via Facebook
Credit: Downtown Petoskey via Facebook
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ArtPrize 2016 Public Vote - Wounded Warrior Dogs by James Mellick

Credit: James Daniel Mellick via Facebook
Credit: James Daniel Mellick via Facebook
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ArtPrize 2017 Public Vote - A. Lincoln by Richard Schlatter

Credit: Richard Schlatter via Facebook
Credit: Richard Schlatter via Facebook
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ArtPrize 2018 Public Vote - The String Project by Chelsea Nix & Mariano Cortez

Credit: Grand Rapids Ballet via Facebook
Credit: Grand Rapids Ballet via Facebook
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ArtPrize 2019 - Took a break / No competition this year

Art Prize FB
Art Prize FB
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ArtPrize 2020 - The event was canceled because of the COVID-19 Pandemic

jarun011/ThinkStock/GettyStock
jarun011/ThinkStock/GettyStock
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ArtPrize 2021 Public Vote - Before You Go by Christian Reichle & Monica Pritchard

Credit: ArtPrize FB
Credit: ArtPrize FB
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In my opinion, while it might not be on the same national stage as ArtPrize, the Freemont Harvest Festival Hay Art is still pretty cool.

50 Awesome Entries From The Fremont Harvest Festival Hay Art Competition

The public voted for their favorite display in different categories by dropping off canned or dry goods at the Fremont Chamber of Commerce office from Monday, September 19th through Friday, October 7th. They placed canned or dry goods next to the picture of their favorite Hay Art. The display that received the most “total weight” in food won the competition and was awarded the 2022 Community Choice winner. All the food would was donated to the True North Community Services - Food Pantry.

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