Welcome! This FAQ will guide you through the process of becoming and participating as an ArtPrize artist, from registration to exhibiting your work. Below, you'll find essential information about requirements, funding opportunities, and connecting with venues.

Venue Registration Opens: March 3 (Closes May 30)

Artist + Designer Registration Opens: March 31 (Closes May 30)

Connections: Closed

ArtPrize 2025 Begins: September 18

Opening Ceremony & Public Voting Begins: September 19

ArtPrize Halftime Show: September 26

Public Voting Closes: October 2

ArtPrize Award Ceremony: October 3

ArtPrize 2025 Ends: October 4

2025 Artist Rules and Handbook

2025 ArtPrize District Map

Artist Help/How-To

AM I REQUIRED TO BE AT THE EVENT TO PARTICIPATE?

No, but we strongly encourage artists to attend! The event offers numerous opportunities to engage, from experiencing the entries and immersive activities to attending our Signature ArtPrize Events and valuable networking opportunities.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY DURING ARTPRIZE?

Grand Rapids offers a wide range of lodging options, including different preferences and budgets for everyone who plans to stay in the city before, during, or after the event. Below are some options to simplify your search:

Experience Grand Rapids 

Experience Grand Rapids has built a website that’s an excellent resource when planning your visit to the city. They offer information on Things To Do, Events, Restaurants, and Planning Your Stay. Their hotel page features filters including Categories, Region, Rates Per Night, and the ability to narrow your search by exploring specific amenities.

To use this resource, visit the Experience Grand Rapids website.

ArtPrize Housing Program:

ArtPrize recognizes the financial commitment of participating artists, especially those traveling from outside the city. To help with these expenses, we attempt to connect artists with volunteer hosts who may offer free or reduced-cost temporary housing. For the application and additional information review this infosheet.

Application Opens: March 31, 2025

Application Closes: July 25, 2025

If you are a Grand Rapids or surrounding area resident that may be interested in hosting, find more information in the Hosting infosheet.

HOW DO I STAY UP TO DATE?

Subscribe to the Artist Newsletter for important updates.

DO I NEED A PERMIT?

Depends on your work and where it is being hosted. Some outdoor entries may need city permits and Arts Advisory Board approval. Details in the Artist Handbook.

DO I NEED INSURANCE FOR MY ENTRY?

Insurance is not required, but strongly encouraged to provide assurance. ACT Insurance offers a tailored policy (note exclusions). For additional options, check with your current insurance provider for extra coverage.

WHEN CAN I INSTALL MY ENTRY?

Your installation timeline is coordinated directly with your venue. Each venue has its own schedule, access hours, and guidelines. Check your Hosting Agreement or contact your venue for details on installation and de-installation.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR INSTALLATION?

While some venues may provide tools or assistance, artists are encouraged to bring anything they might need. This includes:

• Tools specific to their installation needs (screwdrivers, drills, tape, etc.)

• Extension cords, surge protectors

• Extra hardware (nails, hooks, hanging wire, etc.)

• Printouts of your artist statement or signage not provided by ArtPrize (if desired)

• Cleaning supplies for post-install (rags, gloves, touch-up materials)

• A friend or assistant, if your installation requires lifting or assembly

If you're traveling by plane, consider shipping your tools or materials in advance, and coordinate with your venue about accepting packages.

DOES ARTPRIZE PROVIDE INSTALLATION ASSISTANCE OR EQUIPMENT?

ArtPrize does not provide general install support, ladders, tools, or labor. However, some venues may have the capabilities of offering assistance, especially if you're installing a large or complex piece. Contact your venue coordinator in advance to clarify what is or isn’t available on-site.

CAN I SHIP MY ARTWORK TO GRAND RAPIDS?

Yes, but you must coordinate shipping directly with your venue. ArtPrize does not receive or store shipped artwork. Make sure:

• The venue agrees to accept and sign for your shipment

• You label everything clearly with your name and entry title

• You track and insure your shipment as needed

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR OUTDOOR INSTALLATION?

If you’re exhibiting outdoors:

• Be sure your work is weather-resistant; rain, sun, wind, and even early fall frost are all possible.

• Secure your work against theft or damage; consider using locks, stakes, or additional reinforcements.

• Bring backup materials in case something breaks or needs quick repair during installation.

• Consider all safety precautions related to exhibiting at your venue. Additional weight and or anchors are encouraged and often required to prevent any tipping or damage to the artwork.

• You may want to visit the site ahead of time (if possible) or request detailed photos and measurements from your venue contact.

WHERE CAN I PARK OR UNLOAD DURING INSTALLATION?

Most downtown venues have limited loading zones, especially during business hours. Coordinate with your venue about:

• Loading dock access

• Temporary parking for unloading

• Parking suggestions for long-term or overnight vehicle storage

Some artists choose to rent cargo vans, use ride-share options, or walk tools between nearby lots.

Please note that you cannot block lanes with parked vehicles, and if your installation requires any sort of traffic re-routing, then you need to work with the City of Grand Rapids and traffic safety to determine that.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE A LAST-MINUTE ISSUE?

First, reach out to your Venue Coordinator for venue-specific concerns. If it’s an urgent ArtPrize-related issue (such as badge pickup problems, installation emergencies, or event questions), contact the ArtPrize Support or Exhibitions Team.

CAN I INSTALL EARLIER THAN MY SCHEDULED TIME?

That depends entirely on your venue’s policies and availability. ArtPrize encourages artists to stick to agreed-upon installation windows unless an alternate time is approved by the venue. Last-minute changes can interfere with other installations or venue operations.

WILL MY VENUE HAVE SECURITY OR STAFF ON-SITE?

Venue staffing and security vary. Some venues are staffed during open hours, while others may have security cameras or locked access. Ask your venue contact about:

• Daily operating hours, also located in the ArtPrize Dashboard

• Security measures overnight

• Visitor guidelines and crowd flow

CAN I SELL MY ARTWORK?

Yes! Any platform for sales is allowed. AllArtWorks is ArtPrize’s official partner.

WHEN IS THE LAST DAY I CAN UPDATE MY PROFILE?

ArtPrize recommends updating your profile by August 22, 2025. ArtPrize prints your artist labels and artist badges. All of which we pull information from your Artist and Entry profiles for.

WHAT SIGNAGE DOES ARTPRIZE PROVIDE?

ArtPrize provides venue managers with an Artist Label to be placed by your installed entry. The Artist Label includes the entry (voting) code, title, medium, category, and artist name, as well as the artist’s city, state, and country. There will be a QR code that is listed on the label that viewers can scan to be taken to your entry profile on the ArtPrize website.

WHERE DO I FIND MY ENTRY CODE THAT IS USED FOR VOTING?

Your entry code that is used for voting can be found on your entry profile. It is both on your private Dashboard profile, and it will be available on the public facing profile on the ArtPrize website. 

WHAT SIGNAGE SHOULD I PREPARE AS AN ARTIST?

Artists will need to provide their Artist Statement, which ArtPrize will provide a template of. Artists will need to use the template provided, and print the signage, or send it to your venue contact so that they can print that off to place by your work with the artist label. 

HOW CAN I PROMOTE MYSELF AS AN ARTIST?

We have seen artists use social media, business/voting cards, and social events to promote themselves. You may be able to work with your venue to plan and host an Artist reception, workshop, or talk. If you are hosting an event during ArtPrize, find information below on how to promote your event on the ArtPrize Calendar.

WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR? 

The Community Calendar is the go-to place for visitors and participants to explore all the live events happening throughout ArtPrize. 

HOW DO I SUBMIT MY EVENT?

ArtPrize will provide a link to a submission form for artists, venues, and community organizations to submit to. Click here to submit your artist event for review! 

WHO CAN SUBMIT EVENTS?

ArtPrize artists, venue managers, and ArtPrize recognized community partners.

IS IT FREE TO SUBMIT?Yes! Submission is completely free.

WHAT KIND OF EVENTS ARE ELIGIBLE?The event calendar submission form will be host to 2 different types of events: 

• Artist + Venue Event – An event hosted by an artist or venue in support of ArtPrize or participating artists. This can include a time-based performance, artist receptions, meet & greets, etc.

• Community Event – A public, arts-related event within the ArtPrize district that is not part of an artist entry or official ArtPrize programming. (e.g., block party, neighborhood association event, business association event)

WHAT INFO DO I NEED FOR A SUBMISSION? Be ready to include:

• Event title and description(s)

• Start/end date and time

• Location (full address, or venue name)

• Host/organizer name

• Contact info

• Optional: image or flyer

WHEN SHOULD I SUBMIT MY EVENT?Please submit at least 2 weeks in advance for best visibility. Late submissions may not be approved in time.

WHERE WILL MY EVENT APPEAR?On the ArtPrize Community Calendar, which is visible to the public online on the ArtPrize events page. 

CAN I EDIT MY EVENT AFTER SUBMITTING?Yes, email us at support@artprize.org  with your event name and the changes you'd like to make.

WHAT EVENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED?

• Private or invitation-only events

• Sales events without artistic programming

• Anything promoting discrimination or illegal activity

NOTE: We reserve the right to remove any event that doesn’t align with ArtPrize community standards. Please review the Venue Handbook for these standards. 

WHEN IS THE 2025 CONNECTIONS PERIOD?

• June 2 – July 17, 9pm (extended)

• Video walkthrough of this process coming soon! 

WHAT IS A “CONNECTION”?

ArtPrize is independently curated through registered venues. The Connections process involves both artists and venues utilizing the Dashboard to facilitate matchmaking, ultimately resulting in a "Connection" between the venue and the entry.

HOW DO I CONNECT WITH A VENUE?

1. Browse - venues via the ArtPrize Dashboard.

2. Request - Artists & venues send connection requests to one another via the Dashboard.

3. Pending -  After a request is made, the receiving party accepts or denies the request, signaling either mutual interest or rejection.

4. Hosting Agreement -  If there is interest from both parties, then it is time to fill out a hosting agreement. Hosting agreements cover installation, insurance, and logistics related to the exhibit of the entry.

5. Confirm - Both parties finalize the Connection in the Dashboard.

WHAT IS A HOSTING AGREEMENT?

• A contract between artist and venue covering installation, insurance, and logistics.

• The Dashboard includes a Fillout form for the Hosting Agreement located in the menu on the left side of the screen.

• Some venues may send their own agreement separately.

HOW MANY VENUES SHOULD I REQUEST?

You can request multiple venues, but you can only finalize one Connection.

CAN I CHANGE A CONNECTION ONCE FINALIZED?

• If you accidentally finalized a Connection, contact support@artprize.org.

• If you can’t participate, notify your venue and ArtPrize immediately.

HOW CAN I COMMUNICATE WITH THE OTHER PARTICIPATING ARTISTS?

ArtPrize created an Artist Facebook Page for the 2025 artists to join. This is a great place to: 

Find tips on the Connections process

Get to know your fellow artists

See what amazing things are happening this fall

WHAT GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ARTISTS IN 2025?

ArtPrize offers multiple grants to support artists. The Grants Page provides details on eligibility and application requirements.

GRANT TIMELINE

• Applications Open: March 3, 2025

• Applications Close: May 2, 2025

• Notifications: by the week of June 10,  2025

HOW ARE GRANTS DISTRIBUTED?

Selected recipients will receive an email with:

• A payment schedule

• Grant payment details and requirements

WHAT IS ARTPRIZE?

ArtPrize is an international art competition and cultural event held annually in Grand Rapids, MI. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that funds its operating budget, including over $600,000 in prizes and grants, through corporate giving, governmental support, foundations, and individual contributions.

WHO IS RUNNING ARTPRIZE NOW?

ArtPrize is presented in partnership with the City of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., and Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. The ArtPrize team operates as an independent entity under a Steering Committee and is supported by the community.

WHERE DOES THE PRIZE MONEY COME FROM?

ArtPrize is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that fundraises year-round to support its operations, including the $400,000 in prizes and $200,000 in grants awarded to artists, curators, and educators. Funding sources include corporate sponsorships, foundations, individual donations, and government grants.

WHEN IS ARTPRIZE IN 2025?

• September 18 – October 4, 2025

HOW CAN I STAY UPDATED?

Sign up for the Artist Newsletter for updates on artist opportunities and deadlines.

HOW DO I ENTER MY WORK?
REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

• Registration Period: March 31 – May 30, 2025

• Register or log in via the ArtPrize Dashboard

• Returning artists from 2024 do not need to create a new account. Simply log in and update your profile.

• Click here to watch the tutorial for new registrations

WHAT ARE THE REGISTRATION FEES?

• Solo Artists: $65

• Collaborative Groups: $130 (two or more artists associated with the creation of an entry)

IF I WAS AN UNCONNECTED ARTIST FROM 2024, DOES MY REGISTRATION FEE ROLL OVER?

Please contact support@artprize.org for more information on possible fee rollovers for unconnected artists.

IS THERE A STUDENT DISCOUNT?

Yes! Students, faculty, and staff of educational institutions using a .edu email address or their institutional email can request a discount before submitting payment by emailing exhibitions@artprize.org.

HOW DO I SUBMIT A COLLABORATIVE ENTRY?

• The first registered artist becomes the primary contact.

• Add collaborators via the entry profile.

WHAT CATEGORIES CAN I ENTER MY ARTWORK IN?

• 2-D – Flat artworks (painting, photography, printmaking, textiles)

• 3-D – Sculptural works viewable from multiple angles

• Time-Based – Performance, video, film, dance, music, interactive works

• Installation – Site-specific works that rely on location

• New Media – Digital and technology-based art (VR, projection mapping, generative art)

• +Design – Industrial, fashion, automotive, urban, and architectural design
  Additional information can be found the Artist Rules and Handbook

HOW MANY PIECES CAN I ENTER?

• Only one entry per artist or collaborative group

• A multi-piece series can be submitted as one entry with one title.

DOES MY ENTRY NEED TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE REGISTRATION?

No! Artists can register unfinished work but must complete it in time for installation. Please note that venues are more likely to select complete or near-completed works.

CAN I SELL MY ARTWORK DURING ARTPRIZE?

Yes, artists can sell their entry through any preferred platform. We recommended working with AllArtWorks, the official sales partner of ArtPrize.

DO I NEED A PERMIT?

An important component of preparing for your exhibit is determining whether or not your entry will require City approvals and a permit. Murals, entries in the public space, or any entry that might potentially obstruct a walkway or other public space, become a part of the Grand Rapids landscape and may require review and approval by the City of Grand Rapids’ Arts Advisory Board and a permit.For more information regarding outdoor entries and permits, please refer to the Artist Handbook (coming soon!)

DO I NEED TO INSURE MY ENTRY?

ArtPrize does not require artists to obtain insurance for their artwork, but it’s strongly encouraged. Some projects may require a permit by the city if they are exhibited on public property, such permits require insurance on a case-by-case basis.

For those who are interested in insuring their artwork, ACT Insurance has created a policy that serves ArtPrize artists. Please note that there is an exclusion for "3D Art Installation," which refers to works that are suspended in the air or permanently installed. Additionally, your current insurance provider may offer extra coverage for purchase. For further inquiries, please email support@artprize.org.

WHEN CAN I BEGIN INSTALLING MY WORK?

It depends on your venue. All delivery, installation, and de-installation details should be made directly with your venue coordinator.

For additional support, contact:

• General Inquiries: support@artprize.org

Exhibition & Venue Questions: exhibitions@artprize.org