Becoming an Artprize Venue
Introduction
Welcome! This FAQ will guide you through the process of participating as an ArtPrize venue, from registration to hosting artists. Below, you'll find essential information about requirements, funding opportunities, and connecting with artists.
Venue Experience Phases
Venues will go through four main phases of participation:
Registration – Sign up and pay the registration fee.
Connections – Match with artists.
Planning – Organize exhibition logistics.
Exhibit – Open to the public during ArtPrize.
For a detailed breakdown, refer to the Venue Handbook.
Technical Support (Dashboard & Passwords)
HOW DO I LOG IN IF I DON’T KNOW THE EMAIL OR PASSWORD FOR A PREVIOUS VENUE MANAGER?
If you need to update the primary email address for your venue to be able to access your account, please contact support@artprize.org.
HOW DO I RESET MY DASHBOARD PROFILE?
Go to the ArtPrize Dashboard login page.
Click “Forgot Password?”
Enter your email and click “Reset Password.”
Check your inbox (including spam/junk folders) for a reset link.
Click the link and follow the instructions.
WHAT IF I DON’T RECEIVE THE RESET EMAIL?
Check your spam/junk folder.
Ensure you entered the correct email.
Try requesting the reset again.
If issues persist, contact support@artprize.org.
WHAT IF MY PASSWORD RESET LINK ISN’T WORKING?
Password reset links expire after a certain period.
Request a new link.
Still having trouble? Contact support@artprize.org or check out our technical assistance help page.
Grant Opportunities
WHAT GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR VENUES IN 2025?
Registered venues can apply for grant funding to support their curated exhibitions. Learn more about eligibility and application details on our grants page.
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
Connecting with Artists
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.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF A SUCCESSFUL CONNECTION?
Request – Artists & venues send connection requests to one another via the Dashboard.
Pending – After a request is made, the receiving party accepts or denies the request, signaling either mutual interest or rejection.
Hosting Agreement – If there is interest from both parties, then it is time to fill out a hosting agreement. Venues need to initiate the Hosting Agreement Processes. Hosting agreements cover installation, insurance, and logistics related to the exhibit of the entry.
Confirm – Both parties finalize the Connection in the Dashboard.
WHEN IS THE 2025 CONNECTIONS PERIOD?
June 3 – July 11, 2025
Watch a video overview of the process.
CAN I CONTACT ARTISTS BEFORE THE CONNECTION PERIOD?
Yes, but official Connections must be completed through the Dashboard to be recognized by ArtPrize.
HOW MANY ARTISTS SHOULD I REQUEST?
We recommend 10–15 artists to start.
Requesting an artist does not commit you to hosting them.
Use the Dashboard to browse and request artists.
HOW MANY ARTISTS CAN I HOST?
You can host as many as your space allows–consider space and capacity.
I AM UNSURE HOW BEST TO USE THE SPACE IN MY VENUE, HOW CAN I RECEIVE ASSISTANCE?
Venues can get recommendations or schedule a site visit by emailing exhibitions@artprize.org.
WHERE DO I FIND THE HOSTING AGREEMENT?
The Hosting Agreement is available in the Connections Portal.
A Hosting Agreement must be completed for a Connection to be recognized.
Venues can use their own version.
Use the video walkthrough of this process to complete the Agreement.
CAN I CHANGE THE STATUS OF A CONNECTION?
Venues are allowed to change the status in the case that:
Your venue cannot host an artist due to logistics.
A Connection was finalized before a Hosting Agreement was negotiated.
Your venue can no longer participate (contact ArtPrize Exhibitions directly).
To request a change, email support@artprize.org or exhibitions@artprize.org and inform the artist(s) of the change.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I FINALIZE ALL OF MY CONNECTIONS?
Venues should mark their venue as full. This ability is located in the venue profile.
Venues will begin planning for their exhibition.
PLANNING & STAGING FOR EXHIBITION
WHEN SHOULD I BEGIN PLANNING THE LAYOUT FOR MY EXHIBITION?
Planning should begin as soon as you confirm your artist connections in the Dashboard. Consider how each piece will interact with your space and ensure enough time for layout, signage, and installation prep.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING?Think through:
Entry and exit flow for visitors
Where and how each artwork will be displayed
Lighting and power needs
Artist-provided materials and signage
If any of your connected artists are shipping their works, and who is installing it
Labels and descriptions
Visitor safety and accessibility
DO I NEED TO SCHEDULE INSTALLATION TIMES WITH ARTISTS? Yes. Work with each artist to coordinate installation and deinstallation timelines. Clear communication here helps avoid last-minute surprises.
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT INSTALLING A PARTICULAR WORK?Contact the artist directly for details. If you're unsure about feasibility, email exhibitions@artprize.org for guidance or request a site visit.
ARE THERE ANY INSURANCE OR LIABILITY CONSIDERATIONS I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?Yes. Review the Hosting Agreement to understand your responsibilities. It’s important to clarify liability, security, and any special insurance needs with the artist in advance.
HOW CAN I MAKE MY EXHIBITION MORE ENGAGING FOR VISITORS?Consider adding:
Creating a guide of all the artwork in your venue
Interactive or time-based programming
Lighting and how it helps guide the visitor through your space
CAN I PLAN EVENTS AROUND MY EXHIBITION?Yes! You are encouraged to plan a preview night, artist receptions, talks, or performances. These can be promoted through the ArtPrize calendar. More information on event submissions below.
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE DURING THE PLANNING PHASE?
Venue Handbook
Site visits by the ArtPrize team
Email support: exhibitions@artprize.org
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION?
Ensure your space is welcoming and accessible. Think about physical access, lighting, wayfinding, and providing content in multiple formats where possible.
When you or your artists are hanging labels, consider a hanging height that is inclusive for all individuals attending ArtPrize. Sometimes, when a label is too high, it is difficult to read all the important information related to the artwork.
DO I NEED TO PROMOTE MY EXHIBITION INDEPENDENTLY?
ArtPrize promotes the event city-wide, but we encourage venues to promote their hosted artists and entries through their own marketing and social media channels to drive traffic. This is a fun way to both celebrate the artists you are working with and encourage your community to support your business and the arts.
COMMUNITY 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.
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 as far in advance as possible 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 website.
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.
Registration & Fees
WHEN IS 2025 REGISTRATION?
March 3, 2025 – June 8 (extended)
HOW TO RETURNING VENUES REGISTER?
Returning venue managers from 2024 do not need to create a new account—just update your profile and pay the registration fee.
HOW DO NEW VENUES, OR RETURNING VENUES FROM BEFORE 2024 REGISTER?
All new and returning venue registrations must be completed online via the ArtPrize Dashboard.
Review the video tutorial on new venue registration.
WHAT ARE THE VENUE REQUIREMENTS?
Located within an ArtPrize District of Grand Rapids, MI (exceptions may be granted upon request).
Open to the public for voting during these hours:
Monday–Thursday: 5–8 PM
Friday & Saturday: 12–8 PM
Sunday: 12–6 PM
To request a site visit, email exhibitions@artprize.org.
WHAT IS THE REGISTRATION FEE?
$175, payable via credit card through our secure online system.
Venues will pay their fee after registering. This is completed in the registration process.
HOW DO I ADD A SECONDARY VENUE MANAGER?
Venues can add a secondary venue manager to the profile. To do this, enter their information into the secondary contact and hit save. Once completed, the contact will get an email inviting them to create a password.
Questions?
For additional support, contact:
General Inquiries: support@artprize.org
Exhibition & Venue Questions: exhibitions@artprize.org
Venue Newsletter
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Need Help?
Have more questions? Reach out to our support team by filling out the contact form below (select 'Venues' in the drop-down):
