Most asked

Artists

Venues

Voting

Most asked

When is ArtPrize?

September 22 - October 10 in Grand Rapids, MI USA

When do I register for ArtPrize 2010?

For 2010, venue registration, artist registration and matching are broken into separate time periods.

Venue Registration

Open: Monday, March 15 (Noon EDT)

Close: Thursday April 15 (5:00PM EDT)

Artist Registration

Open: Monday, April 19 (Noon EDT)

Close: Thursday, May 27 (5:00PM EDT)

Artist/Venue Matching Period

Open: Tuesday, June 1 (Noon EDT)

Close: Thursday, July 1 (5:00PM EDT)

What are Exhibition Centers?
Exhibition Centers are an addition to ArtPrize 2010. They are large, sponsored venues curated by regional cultural institutions. Each one contains a store, voter registration and shuttle stop. Modeled on how The Old Federal Building, for many, became a destination to begin walking ArtPrize in 2009, the idea is for more people to see more art in more neighborhoods. They will be the Grand Rapids Art Museum, The Van Andel Public Museum, Urban Institute for Contemporary Art, Cathedral Square, Women's City Club and Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.
Learn more

How do I compete in ArtPrize?
To learn how to enter the competition, go here. To learn how the event works, go here.

How do I secure a venue?

What is the Hosting Agreement?
The Hosting Agreement is vital for artist and venue to know exactly what to expect from each other during the event. Learn more about it, or download the template here.

How will venues pick artists?
Each venue is different. Some are curated by institutions or galleries with a strong curatorial background. Others are organized by an amateur enthusiast. If you cannot tell from the venue's page who makes decisions and what they want, contact the venue.

Can I get a venue that's not on artprize.org?
If you know of a space within the ArtPrize Boundary and want to contact the owner about becoming a venue to show your work, you may. Remember, that venue must register on artprize.org by April 15.

How do I host a venue?
First, make sure you have read the basics about applying and complete your venue profile.

If you want to open your property to become a venue but don't want to manage it OR manage a venue but don't own property downtown--

Contact Dave DeBoer

What is the deal on venues owned by City of Grand Rapids?
Parks, bridges, streets, sidewalks and certain buildings belong to The City of Grand Rapids. ArtPrize has been working with the City Manager to open venues for the event.

If there is a specific city property where you would like to exhibit that is not yet an official ArtPrize venue, contact Dave DeBoer.

Does ArtPrize believe a public vote will result in the "best" work winning?

Read why we designed the event

Who is awarding the prizes?
The cash prize for the Top 10 is awarded by the Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation, a Michigan nonprofit corporation. Information regarding the foundation is available at www.guidestar.org.

Other awards are introduced by sponsors and will be announced on the blog.

How many prizes are there?
Beside the $250,000 top prize, 2nd place will win $100,000, 3rd place $50,000 and the other seven finalists will each receive $7,000. Sponsors will introduce other awards closer to the event.

What’s the second largest art prize?
The Jack Wolgin International Competition in the Arts hosted by Temple University gives away $150,000 in a competition that’s invitation only.

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Artists

Can any artist apply?
See artist eligibility.

How is an "entry" defined? What can I submit?
An entry comes from a single artist or group of collaborators. The entry is what the public will vote on as a single unit. It could be a series, an installation with multiple components, or any other output that can be exhibited in the space agreed upon with the hosting venue. The size of a work depends on the amount of space secured in a venue. A single entry may exist in multiple pieces around the city, but it must have a primary display at one venue.

What are rules for performance art?

Performance based work must be performed in the first week of the competition with an artifact of record on exhibit until the end of the event.

What if I haven’t finished the entry I want to submit?
A sketch of the entry you plan to complete is sufficient for your profile. You may also submit pictures of a past artwork to give a general idea of the type of work you do, but make it clear in your Work Statement the pictures are of past works and not the actual proposed entry.

How many pieces can I submit?
An entry comes from a single artist or group of collaborators. The entry is what the public will vote on as a single unit. It could be a series, an installation with multiple components, or any other output that can be exhibited in the space agreed upon with the hosting venue. The size of a work depends on the amount of space secured in a venue. A single entry may exist in multiple pieces around the city, but it must have a primary display at one venue.

Can artists collaborate on an entry?
Yes. Each collaborator is a $25 additional registration fee and can only be attached to one entry.

How do I get my entry in the competition?

Read how to apply

Is the registration fee refundable?
No, the registration fee is not refundable and does not guarantee you a venue or any amenities at the event if you do not secure a venue.

Who selects the work for ArtPrize?
Each individual venue selects the artists that will exhibit in its space. It could be an institution with deep curatorial credentials or an amateur enthusiast. It depends on the venue. If you have questions about the selection process, contact the venue.

Will you accept slides?
No. Only digital files are accepted. You may convert your slide to a digital file at a local photo lab.

Are there limitations on size?
Size of the entry is dependent on the space you negotiate with your venue. Keep in mind, it usually feels smaller than the actual dimensions.

Do I have to live in Grand Rapids to submit work?
No.

Do I have to travel to Grand Rapids to participate as an artist?
No, but the artist is responsible for the installation and removal of the work. If you ship your entry, make sure the venue host knows exactly what is expected for installation and removal.

Is the artist responsible for shipping costs?
It is between the artist and venue to determine how shipping is paid for in the Hosting Agreement. What's this?

Is the artist responsible for insuring the entry?
It is between the artist and venue to determine how insurance is covered. We encourage venues to absorb the cost, however the artist must produce adequate evidence for the venue's insurance company that validates the price of the entry.

Am I guaranteed a venue when I register?
No, you must secure a venue between June 1 and July 1. Learn more

How will I know when my entry is eligible for the ArtPrize?
When both the venue and you have clicked the "Secure" button (available June 1), the venue you secured is displayed on your profile page.

How is the winner selected?
The single entry that receives the most votes wins the $250,000 ArtPrize. Voters must physically register at the ArtPrize event for their votes to be counted.

Will there be finalists?
On September 30, 2010 the top ten finalists—based on number of votes—will be announced. Any participant not in the top ten is no longer be eligible to win the prize.

Can I sell my work?
Artists may sell their work, but may not remove it from the venue until after October 10, 2010. ArtPrize plays no role in sales. All transactions are between the artist and the buyer.

If I win, what happens?
ArtPrize will reconfirm the first place winner’s eligibility and prize money will come from the Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation. The first place winner will transfer the winning entry over to ArtPrize to be added to a public art collection.

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Venues

What is a venue?
If you own a space within the ArtPrize boundary you may apply to be an ArtPrize venue. All venues are subject to inspection and approval after paying the registration fee. Only registered work shown in an official ArtPrize venue will be eligible for the prize.

Will ArtPrize supply volunteers for venues?

No. ArtPrize volunteers are for voter registration, event way finding and ArtPrize stores. Venues must arrange for their own support during the event.

Do venues provide insurance for artwork?
It is between the artist and venue to determine how insurance is covered, but we encourage venues to absorb the cost. Read why.

Can I pick artists who are not on artprize.org?
You may contact artists you would like to show and encourage them to register on artprize.org. They must register by May 27.

Can anybody host a venue?
ArtPrize is asking anybody within the ArtPrize boundary to open up their space to be a venue, or to volunteer to host a venue for somebody else. See the venue guidelines. If you have questions or problems with hosting a venue, please contact Dave DeBoer.

How do I apply to host a venue?
Learn here

Does ArtPrize pick the art that will show in my venue?
No, as a venue host, you will be expected to review proposals from artists requesting space within your venue. If you want assistance in selecting and managing artists, contact contact Dave DeBoer about professional curators.

Can I show my own work in my venue?
You can register your venue and show your own work in that venue. However, you must also register as an artist to be eligible for the prize.

What if I choose not to keep minimum open hours?

If you do not maintain the minimum open hours required of every venue, you will not be approved as a venue in the future.

What are the basic specifications for becoming an ArtPrize venue?
See the Venue guidelines.

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Voting

I registered in 2009. Is my account still good?

Your account still exists on artprize.org, but you will have to activate it in person at a registration site at the 2010 event.

Exactly how will the winner of the $250,000 prize be determined?

How does voting work?
Potential voters must register in person at the ArtPrize event. Once you register, you will have access to vote on artprize.org or via text messages from mobile devices. During the preliminary voting period, votes will be tallied real time on artprize.org to track every voter’s reaction to artists' work. On September 30, when the ten finalists are announced, each registered voter will have one final vote to attribute to one of the finalists. The results of the votes for finalists will be concealed until the winner is announced October 07.

Will there be other awards besides the $250,000 ArtPrize?
Beside the $250,000 top prize, 2nd place will win $100,000, 3rd place $50,000 and the other seven finalists will each receive $7,000. Sponsors will introduce other awards, to be announced closer to the event.

Where will voting take place?
All voting will be electronic. It can be done either at artprize.org after the voter has physically registered at the event, or via text message using a cell phone at the event.

Can I vote on entries without physically attending the event?
No. Voting is only open to people who register in person at the ArtPrize event in Grand Rapids between September 22 – October 10.

Why do I need to register at the event to vote?
ArtPrize requires that people register to vote at the event to ensure that people are associated with only one voting account. ArtPrize is concerned about making the voting process as fair as possible.

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