I have many in-law family members that live in Grand Rapids who are not very art enlightened. Luckily they have friends who are and they are involved with Art Prize. I love talking to them about how the city and the committee feel about this event. I was just sent a FB message about some of the changes they are doing. I must say this is a very interesting town for such an event. Just thought I would share for anyone else interested. Here is the link.
http://blog.artprize.org/2011/12/06/artprize-announces-100000-juried-grand-prize/
Comments
I have attended every year. It is a very dynamic event. I think the first year there was more of a "wow" factor with all kinds of huge sculpture and really fun performance art all around, plus more fine work. By year three participants had figured out it had to be "large" to win and that a local connection helped. If anyone is thinking of participating there is a strategy -- the winners mostly come from the exhibits in the central area, the GRAM, the GR Ford Museum, and DeVos and the BOB. Just remember it is the largest total prize purse for art in the world, $550,000. I do like that next year there will be a juried $100,000 prize, which I hope will bring in more fine art that will be rewarded rather than some of the kitschy work that was in the finals this year.
I've written extensively about Art Prize on this site. Search for "ArtPrize."