For Artists

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any artist apply?

ArtPrize is an international competition, open to any artist in the world that secures a venue. For full details, see artist Eligibility.

When do I register for ArtPrize® 2013?

Artist registration is:

  • Opens: Monday, April 22
  • Closes: Thursday, June 6 at 5:00 p.m. EDT

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 single piece, 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 have secondary components in multiple places around the city, but it must have a primary display at one venue.

What are rules for performance art, music, or dance?

Performance based work must be performed in the first round of voting 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 that the pictures are of past works and not the actual proposed entry.

Can artists collaborate on an entry?

Yes. Collaborative entries cost $100 total. Each collaborator must have a separate account on artprize.org.

Can I enter the artwork of a group of K-12 students?

No. Every artist that enters ArtPrize, including each member of a collaborative entry, must be 18 or older.

How do I get my entry in the competition?

Each artist signs up at artprize.org by creating an Artist Profile. Then, you’ll create your Entry for ArtPrize 2013. Once you pay the $50 registration fee, you can attempt to secure a venue to display your work using our Connections process on artprize.org. Upon securing a venue and a hosting agreement for your work, you are entered into the ArtPrize competition. Read more about Registration

Is the registration fee refundable?

No, the registration fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee you a venue. However, if you do not complete a connection with a venue by June 20, 2013 at 5:00 PM EDT, your registration fee for ArtPrize 2014 will be waived.

Who selects the work for ArtPrize?

Each 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.

How do I secure a venue?

You may contact a venue anytime, however you will not be able to officially secure a venue on artprize.org until April 29, 2013.

Am I guaranteed a venue when I register?

No. The venues you contact may or may not opt to show your work. You must secure a venue between April 29 and June 20, 2013 on artprize.org.

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 the Hosting Agreement .

How will I know when my entry is eligible for the ArtPrize?

When both the venue and you have completed the Connections process by clicking the “Secure” button (available beginning April 29). The venue you secured is displayed on your profile page. If you have not received notification from a venue by June 20, 2013, your work is not eligible for ArtPrize this year.

Will you accept slides?

No. Only digital files are accepted. You may convert your slide to a digital file at a local photo lab.

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, all venues must register on artprize.org by April 11, 2013.

If I was a registered ArtPrize artist in the past, can I duplicate my profile?

If you were a previous ArtPrize artist, when you login with the email you used to create an ArtPrize account, you will see your profile and previous entries. You can edit your profile and add new work, but you cannot edit a previous entry.

Are there limitations on size of the entry?

Size of the entry is dependent on the space you negotiate with your venue.

Is there a limit to the number of images I can upload?

No, you may upload as many images as you like. Keep in mind, however, that venues have thousands of artist profiles to browse, so you don’t want to overwhelm them with information.

Is there a size limit for images I can upload?

Yes, images must be no larger than 10mb.

Do I have to live in Grand Rapids to submit work?

No. Previous events have featured artists from 45 states and 39 countries.

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 unless specific arrangements are made with the venue. 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 . For more information about Hosting Agreements, see Connections

Is the artist responsible for insuring the entry?

It is between the artist and venue to determine how insurance is covered. Artists can obtain affordable Insurance through our partnership with Fractured Atlas, read more about it on the Insurance page. We also encourage venues to cover the project as part of their insurance, however the artist must produce adequate evidence for the venue’s insurance company that validates the insurable value of the entry.

What is the deal with 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’s office to open venues for the event. Such venues will be curated by an individual or institution working in partnership with the City of Grand Rapids.

What if I need to cancel a connection with a venue during the connections period?

If you complete a connection with a venue, then you and the venue agree to terminate this connection during the connections period, please e-mail the artist relations team at artists@artprize.org and explain the situation.

How is the winner selected?

The single entry that receives the most public votes wins the $200,000 Public Vote First Prize. Voters must register at the ArtPrize event for their votes to be counted. Additionally there are six juried prizes, including the ArtPrize Juried Grand Prize of $100,000. For more information about ArtPrize awards, see Awards

Will there be finalists?

On September 29, 2013 the top ten finalists—based on number of votes—will be announced. Any participant not in the top ten is no longer 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 6, 2013. All transactions are between the artist and the buyer. Some venues broker sales and take a commission. This must be negotiated in your Hosting Agreement.

If I win first prize, what happens?

ArtPrize will reconfirm the first place winner’s eligibility. The winner of the public vote first prize will transfer the winning entry over to ArtPrize to be added to the ArtPrize art collection. For all top 10 winners of the public vote as well as those receiving juried awards, monetary prizes will be awarded in a lump sum to the individual Artist in whose name the Entry was submitted.