ArtPrize - Sep. 23 - Oct. 8, 2009 - Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids

Public Art and Grand Rapids

In 1969, Alexander Calder's La Grande Vitesse was installed outside City Hall in Grand Rapids, MI. The first work supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the city pioneered funding public art through public agencies and private organizations. More than 40 public works have followed including Robert Morris' Grand Rapids Project X, Mark di Suvero's Motu Viget and recently Maya Lin's Ecliptic, the redesign of the city's central park.


Through its institutions, Grand Rapids maintains a constant rotation of world renowned artists engaging the community. In 2007, The Grand Rapids Art Museum opened its new location as the country's first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified museum. Michigan's largest contemporary arts center, The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts' new facility is on downtown's central intersection. The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is internationally recognized for the quality of its collection and gardens.


On a grassroots level, local artists and students continually organize exhibitions all over downtown. Grand Valley State University's award winning Civic Studio program changes locations each semester, so students engage in a different neighborhood and learn first hand how their work impacts the public. The ArtWorks youth job-training program has produced and installed nearly 50 temporary and permanent public pieces in the city.


ArtPrize® is proud to be the most recent addition to Grand Rapids' exceptional history with public art.



In 2009

449,000 dollars

334,219 votes cast

200,000 visitors

1,262 artists

159 venues

41 states/14 countries

16 days

What people said

No matter who wins, the 17-day competition has spurred a lively debate in Grand Rapids, a city of about 200,000 with a tradition of interest in art.

Micheline Maynard

NEW YORK TIMES



To those of us who believe that art has the power to inspire and enliven our communities, [ArtPrize] was a glorious example.

Michael Kaiser, President of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

THE HUFFINGTON POST



If urban leaders are paying close attention, they will use DeVos’ art inspiration as a way to transform the way they do business.

Carol Colletta, CEOs for Cities

GOOD MAGAZINE