The Saint

By News Editor Grace Wilson

Whether you’re new to Grand Rapids or a long-time resident, the spectacle of ArtPrize is constantly surprising. As arguably the most engaging celebration of the year, the competition has long been a staple of the beginning of fall in Grand Rapids, MI. As the city wraps up another year of spectacular art and tourism, let’s take a look back at how it started. 

Art Prize is an international art competition that takes place in Grand Rapids, MI as the seasons shift from summer to fall. Artists from around the world create installations of artwork throughout the city, building a maze of creativity throughout Grand Rapids. It was first proposed in 2009 by Rick Devos as a “social experiment to rally a city around visual art.” While initially criticized, the contest was a huge success, bringing in a high of 750,000 visitors to Grand Rapids in 2022. Additionally, the competition has economically boosted the city with a GVSU study estimating $34.6 million in economic output and the support of 318 jobs. 

This year, the installations were open to the public from Sept. 14 through Oct. 1. While visitors wandered throughout the city to look at the art installations, they were also able to participate in various activities and festivals. On Sept. 16, the Eastown Street Fair held its 50th anniversary (the previous article can be found here). There were also craft fairs, merchants, food trucks, and more that could be found in the city. Many visitors also looked forward to trying out many of Grand Rapid’s fabulous restaurants as well as participating in nightlife. 

The winners of this year’s contest were announced on Oct. 1. Abdoulaye Conde won first prize out of over 700 entries in the public vote. His mural, painted on the side of a building on the corner of Ottawa Avenue NW and Louis Street SW, took 25 days to complete. In his artist statement, Conde wrote he was inspired by the contribution “elephants make to their families, groups, and habitats.” 

Photo by Joel Bissell, Mlive.com

Even though the voting period is over, visitors still have time to see some of the installations that remain around the city. To find a map of the art installations and to learn more about Art Prize, click here.

Be on the lookout for next year’s dates to experience the vibrancy of art and culture in Grand Rapids!