As mentioned in the rules for ArtPrize 2010, the winning entry will become part of the ArtPrize Collection. Naturally, this raises some questions.

What is the ArtPrize collection?
The collection is a tangible way for ArtPrize to be invested in the long term cultural value of the winning works. The works that win form a symbiotic relationship with ArtPrize (it’s hard to remember ArtPrize 2009 without also remembering the image above). The collection is a way to ensure that this relationship is a positive one for the artist, ArtPrize, and the community in the long term.

The collection is very small at the moment (consisting of a single painting), but as ArtPrize continues, the collection will grow.

When and where will the collection be able to be seen by the public?
We currently don’t have our own exhibition space. We’ll loan pieces to reputable institutions, the way a museum manages its collection. In fact, we’re already doing that. Ran Ortner’s Open Water #24, is currently on loan to the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

What happens to the copyright of the winning entries?
This is a tricky question, and one that we approached with a lot of thought and research. We’ve decided to model our approach after our friends and neighbors at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The copyright of the winning work is transferred to ArtPrize, but the transfer is non-exclusive. While we gain the ability to reproduce images of the work for promotional or educational purposes, the artist also retains those same rights.

What can ArtPrize do with those rights?
ArtPrize will have the ability to use the image of the winning work in promotional material, including items such as posters or books that could be offered for sale. Understandably, this could be a concern for some artists worried about merchandise that would cheapen the image of the work. We’ll work with the winning artists to ensure that any use of this copyright will maintain the integrity of the work.

ArtPrize will not permit the production of anything that would negatively affect the image of the collection. The purpose of the collection is to have a positive long term effect on the artist, ArtPrize and the community.