Visitor FAQS
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning ArtPrize enthusiast, this guide has all the essential information to help you make the most of your experience in Grand Rapids. From understanding the event and voting process to navigating the city’s parking and public transportation options, we’ve got you covered. Explore the vibrant art scene, find out about special events and programming, and get the support you need for a seamless visit.
GENERAL INFORMATION + SUPPORT
WHAT IS ARTPRIZE?
ArtPrize is an international art competition and cultural event held annually in Grand Rapids, MI. Downtown Grand Rapids Businesses open their doors to artworks from all over the world, curating a city wide gallery space. Viewing ArtPrize entries is free and open to the public. ArtPrize also hosts signature events, and programming for all ages to enjoy.
ArtPrize is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by corporate, foundation, governmental, and individual donations.
WHEN IS ARTPRIZE?
September 18 - October 4 2025.
WHAT IS THE ARTPRIZE CLUBHOUSE?
The ArtPrize ClubHouse is the central hub for visitors, artists, venue managers, and volunteers. Inside, you'll find:
Concierge staff ready to help guide you through your ArtPrize experience
Official ArtPrize merchandise
Beverages and refreshments
Art workshops
Located: 40 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, 49503
Hours: September 18–October 4, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
NEED HELP DURING THE EVENT?
Visit our ClubHouse, info kiosks, or find an ArtPrize volunteer in red.
ArtPrize Information Kiosks - Located at:
Center City ClubHouse Concierge - 40 Pearl St NW
North District Kiosk - 555 Monroe
East District Kiosk - 1009 Hermitage St SE
South District Kiosk - 130 Fulton St W
West District Kiosk - 303 Pearl St NW
The ArtPrize Support team
Email: support@artprize.org
Phone Number: 616-699-5379
LOST OR FOUND ITEM?
Visit the Concierge at the ArtPrize ClubHouse, or fill out this Lost item form.
Viewing art
WHERE ARE THE VENUES?
The venues are broken up into 5 ArtPrize districts. Center City - North - East - South - West.
*Downloadable/printable district maps coming soon.
WHAT ARE THE VENUE HOURS?
Venue hours can be found on the venue profile pages. Required hours (venues may be open longer, check the venue profile for their hours of operation):
Monday - Thursday: 5-8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 12-8 p.m.
Sunday: 12-6 p.m.
HOW DO I FIND SPECIFIC ARTISTS OR ENTRIES?
Use the ArtPrize website or app (Flockx)
Search by artist name, entry title, or voting code
Scan the QR code on the artist’s label
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO:
Photography and video are generally allowed. Some venues or artworks may have restrictions. Look for posted signs before filming or photographing. For media requests, reach out to media@artprize.org.
ARE PETS ALLOWED AT THE ARTPRIZE VENUES?
Pets are not allowed inside most ArtPrize venues, with the exception of service animals. Outdoor venues and spaces may have different policies, so check with the specific location before visiting.
Voting
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO VOTE FOR AN ENTRY?
Voting is your way to help shape the competition! Every vote counts toward determining which entries move forward in the competition and, ultimately, which artists take home the prizes.
WHEN DOES PUBLIC VOTING BEGIN AND END IN 2025?
Friday, September 19th at 12:00pm (noon) until Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, 10:00PM.
HOW DO VISITORS VOTE FOR AN ENTRY?
Visitors can vote for ArtPrize entries by following these steps:
Scan the QR code on the artist’s label, or search for them using their unique voting code.
Register on the voting platform (Flockx).
Click “Vote” on the artist’s profile.
Cast your vote.
Return every 24 hours to vote again and show your support!
WHAT IS FLOCKX?
To vote for an ArtPrize entry, visitors and users need to register with the Flockx platform. More information coming soon.
HOW MANY ENTRIES CAN I VOTE FOR?
Once registered, you can vote for as many entries as you like, but only once per entry per day. After a full 24 hours, you can vote for the same entries again.
VOTING WITHOUT A MOBILE DEVICE:
Register at the ClubHouse or an Info Kiosk to receive a physical ballot.
Use a printable ballot from our website to keep track of entries, bring the ballot to a Kiosk or the ClubHouse.
After that, vote from anywhere on your device or desktop computer. You will need to know the email and password to login to the voting app.
EVENTS + PROGRAMMING + MERCHANDISE
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Opening Ceremony – Sept 19, beer garden and workshop at 4:30 p.m.: Kick off ArtPrize 2025 at Rosa Parks Circle with live music, vibrant brass bands, costumed performers, and interactive art starting at 6:30 PM. Enjoy the beer garden (open at 4:30 PM during our Lantern Workshop) with craft brews and refreshing drinks for guests 21+. As night falls, join the ArtPrize Parade, a lively, music-filled procession leading to fireworks on the river, marking the official start of eighteen days of art and inspiration.
Halftime Celebration – Sept 26, Gates open at 6 p.m.: Halfway through ArtPrize, we celebrate big at Sixth Street Park with live music, food trucks, and the exciting reveal of the Top 20 entries in each district. This year’s headliner is country-R&B artist Tiera Kennedy, joined by Jake Kershaw and The Bootstrap Boys. Voting stays open after the reveal—so keep supporting your favorites!
Awards Ceremony – Oct 3, 6-10 p.m. Join us for the grand finale of ArtPrize. This is where we reveal the winners of this year’s prizes, celebrating the incredible talent, creativity, and dedication of participating artists. The evening is filled with excitement, community spirit, and a shared love of art as we honor both public-voted and juried award recipients. Local venues will be hosting viewing parties!
It’s more than just an announcement—it’s a celebration of the sixteen days of creativity that brought our city to life. Expect music, energy, and memorable moments as we close another unforgettable ArtPrize season.
Click here for a full calendar of programming happening during ArtPrize.
ARE THERE OTHER LIVE EVENTS, PERFORMANCES, OR WORKSHOPS?
Yes! ArtPrize features a variety of live events, performances, and hands-on workshops throughout the event. These take place at venues, in outdoor areas, and community spaces across the city.
CAN I BUY ARTPRIZE MERCHANDISE?
Yes, official ArtPrize merchandise is available at the ArtPrize ClubHouse, select venue locations, and online through the merchandise store.
WHERE CAN I BUY ART?
Many ArtPrize entries are for sale. Check the artist’s profile on the ArtPrize app or website for availability and pricing. Artists are encouraged to place information by their works if they are going to be selling their pieces and managing their sales.
Additionally, if an artist chooses to sell their work through our sales partner AllArtWorks, they will have a QR code on their entry label that will take you to their sales profile.
Finally, the Merchants and Makers ArtPrize Market is taking place all three Saturdays of ArtPrize this year. Saturday, September 20th, 27th, and October 4th, 2025 from 10 am - 6 pm. This will be located on Monroe Center St SW.
Food + RESTrooms + Amenities
WHERE CAN I EAT DURING ARTPRIZE?
Grand Rapids offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, and food trucks throughout the ArtPrize area. Many venues are located near dining options, and some even have food and beverage service on site.
ARE RESTROOMS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT VENUES?
Yes. Most ArtPrize venues have public restrooms available during their open hours. Restroom locations may vary, so check with venue staff when you arrive.
ARE THERE FAMILY-FRIENDLY OR PET-FRIENDLY LOCATIONS?
Many ArtPrize venues are family-friendly, offering activities or spaces suitable for all ages. Pet-friendly areas are generally outdoors; most indoor venues allow only service animals. Check individual venue profiles for details.
The legacy of ArtPrize derives in large part from the immense impact of its winning Artists. They’ve delighted us and revealed fresh insights into the world and ourselves.
