Art Thrives at ArtPrize in Michigan, a 19-day ‘radically open’ art competition with a $200,00 top prize!
We recently took a trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan for ArtPrize! ArtPrize is a 19-day long, 'radically open', independently organized international art competition. There is a $200,000 top prize awarded based completely on public votes. Wow!
We were lucky enough to stay there opening weekend and were privy to all of the festivities!
Artists swarmed the city alongside art lovers and those ambivalent but interested civilians. Just outside our hotel was a parking lot filled with art: pandas crafted from recycled tires; a giant, fire-breathing, dragon float; an immersive and evolving painting comprised of dozens of smaller paintings; and much more!
Any time we went anywhere we saw art: inside, outside, sometimes in the portals between.
A lot of the art was made to draw attention to certain social, environmental or political issues. Amazingly a lot of artists took it one step further and pledged to donate anywhere from half to all of their winnings (should they win) to charitable causes!
Here are a couple examples of the great art that promoted causes: http://www.artprize.org/robin-protz/2013/mythorlogic
http://www.artprize.org/the-compass-alliance/2013/at-rare-diseases-deserve-toprate-research
While the economic plight of Detroit is well-known, the rest of the state suffers from severe economic depression. The city, people and the Devos family come together to encourage communication, exploration and growth for ArtPrize each year. ArtPrize hosts panel, workshops, shows and tours to help educate attendees.
Grand Rapids is a vibrant, friendly city that has a passion for art and community. We are grateful to have been a part of this year's ArtPrize!
Find out more about ArtPrize: ArtPrize
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