Okay, ArtPrize, We See You with These Shiny New Events
If you think you’ve got ArtPrize all figured out, you might wanna hit pause on that thought. The folks behind GR’s big art bash are stirring the pot again this year, and I’m not gonna lie, I’m pretty curious to see how it all shakes out.
I’ve been around the ArtPrize block a few times. Some years have been hits, others… well, let’s just say they tried. But 2024? They might just be entering their “glow-up” era, especially with all of the events they have planned.
First off, opening night. They’re kicking things off with three parades – each with their own band – coming together at Pearl Street Bridge for a big party and announcement. If it’s anything like last year’s fireworks (which, BTW, were off the chart the best I’ve ever seen), we might be in for a treat.
And, get this – they’re getting swanky and buzz-worthy this year.
Exclusive $250 ticketed events? A mystery bus trip? Bougie brunch with carriage rides? Part of me is like, “Slow your roll, ArtPrize,” but another part is thinking, “…go on, I’m listening.”
From laser shows to circus acts, to dropping the second round of voting, it seems like this isn’t your mother’s ArtPrize and if you haven’t been in awhile this might be the year to give it a shot.
Lace up those comfy shoes, make sure your phone’s got juice, and let’s see how ArtPrize 2024 paints the town, starting with the events on this list. (Btw, here’s your ArtPrize map!)
Here’s What’s Happening at Art Prize 2024
Kickoff Events / Opening Night
Kickoff Events
Art Prize starts on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 12 PM. Voting starts at this time, followed by the Opening Celebration that evening.
OPENING PARADES
You’re invited to help kickstart ArtPrize by joining one of three amazing parades.
Starting at three different launch points at 6:30 PM, they will all come together at the Pearl Street Bridge.
Want to join the excitement? Here’s where you can meet up at 6:30 PM:
- Fish Ladder Park (606 Front Ave NW)
- 555 Monroe NW
- ArtPrize ClubHouse (61 Commerce Ave. SW)
Everyone’s welcome to jump in and be part of the fun. (Plus, each parade gets its own awesome band to lead the way – The Nuru Dance Troupe, El Son De México Mariachi Band or the Grand Rapids Firefighters Pipes and Drums!)
The parades kick off at 7:00 and will reach the Opening Celebration around 7:30. ArtPrize is hoping to turn this into a yearly tradition, so you’ll be part of something special!
Description for this block. Use this space for describing your block. Any text will do. Description for this block. You can use this space for describing your block. Description for this block. Use this space for describing your block. Any text will do. Description for this block. You can use this space for describing your block.
ArtPrize 2024 Opening Celebration
- Friday, September 13 from 7 – 10 PM at Pearl Street Bridge
- Food trucks, cash bars, music, fireworks, plus a surprise you won’t want to miss!
- *VIP ticketed access at Ah-Nab-Awen Park from 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM.
ArtPrize is throwing a huge, multi-sensory party to start things off! The three KickOff Parades will arrive at the Pearl Street Bridge at 7:30 PM as the celebration gets into full swing.
There will be music, food trucks, and cash bars, all building up to back-to-back visual displays designed for the ultimate wow factor.
At 8:45 PM, ArtPrize will unveil “something big”—a surprise, world-class spectacle making its US premiere.
And at 9 PM, a show-stopping, enormous fireworks show will light up the Gillett Bridge, the Grand River, and all of downtown.
Grand Rapids African American Art & Music Festival
Sept 14, 2024 from Noon – 10 PM
Rosa Parks Circle
Food, art, vendors, games, live entertainment and more! Admission is FREE!
David, the Activation
Sept 18-25, 2024
“David” is a 35-foot-tall marionette made out of aluminum.
On opening night of ArtPrize, a group of puppeteers made him climb up the Amway Grand in downtown Grand Rapids!
Bonus: ArtPrize Visitors can sign up to control this giant puppet at 45 Ottawa Avenue starting Monday. Make him dance, move, and have some fun! Bring the whole family for a hands-on experience like no other.
Sign up for a time slot to skip the line by reserving a time to interact with David. Choose a half hour window for arrival. Reserve a time for a group of up to 6.
Monday 9/18 – Wednesday 9/25: Noon to 8 PM Daily🔗
Grand Rapids Film Festival
Sept 21-22, 2024
Sat, Sept 21: Enjoy films all day at Wealthy Theatre and MuseGR, starting at 11 AM.
Sun, Sept 22: Screenings at Wealthy Theatre (11 AM – 4:30 PM), Q&A sessions, Micro Film Challenge (5:30-6:30 PM), and awards at Brewery Vivant (7-9 PM). 🔗
Half-Time Show
Sept 20, 2024 from 7 – 10 PM
Studio Park,123 Ionia Ave
This new midpoint celebration at ArtPrize is meant to shake things up!
The current top 100 entries will be revealed, but there’s a twist this year. Every single entry still has a shot at winning the public vote, whether it’s in the top 100 or not. This HalfTime announcement is all about giving artists a progress check and reminding voters there’s plenty of time to support their favorites.
This HalfTime Show also comes with some electrifying entertainment. On this special Friday night, Studio Park will be rocked by The Pack Drumline! (You might have seen them on America’s Got Talent, with Cirque du Soleil, or even at the Super Bowl.)
AllArt: Grand Rapids!
Sept 20-22, 2024
DeVos Place
The AllArtWorks art showcase at DeVos Place, September 20-22 features over 700 artworks and definitely has the most art under one roof. In addition, the event is home to:
- Walkable Sculpture Garden
- Beer Garden & VIP Lounge
- Evening events with DJs
- Family-friendly activities
Admission: Early Bird Tickets (until Sept 12). Starting at $20. Children under 5 are free. Tickets
ArtPrize Closing Ceremony – The Ultimate Block Party!
Friday, Sep 27, 2024
6:30 – 10 PM
17 Pearl St NW
ArtPrize 2024 Grand Finale:
The ArtPrize 2024 Grand Finale is a time to crown the winners and celebrate an incredible year of art!
An unforgettable closing bash is planned at Pearl Street and Division Avenue, right outside Kendall College of Art and Design.
What to expect:
- Mind-blowing light and laser show
- 35′ puppet performance
- Jaw-dropping circus performance
- Winner announcements
- Mouthwatering food trucks
- Cash bar
Special Tickets ArtPrize Events
| Event |
|---|
| Preview Night Priceless Gallery Thurs Sep 12: 8 – 10 PM Music, a cash bar, and a sneak peek of the Priceless Gallery. $15 per person 🔗 |
| Art Tours ArtPrize Clubhouse 1 – 3:30 PM Saturdays: Sep 14, 21, 28 Tuesdays: Sep 17, 24 Thursdays: Sep 19, 26 See the best of ArtPrize with an expert guide. $50 per person. 🔗 |
| Art Battle Tue Sep 17: 7 – 10:30 PM ArtPrize Clubhouse Artists duke it out in a high-speed art showdown. $15-$30 per person. 🔗 |
| HalfTime Aftershow Party ArtPrize Clubhouse Fri Sep 20: 10 – 11:30 PM Includes a house DJ and cash bar. $15 per person. 🔗 |
| Midwest Breakin’ Battle Vol. 2 – Finals and After-Party ArtPrize Clubhouse Sat Sep 21: 8 PM – 12 AM Final rounds of the competition & after party. $20 🔗 |
| Bittersweet Symphony Chocolate Show – Performance ArtPrize Clubhouse Sun Sep 22: 6 – 7 PM Chocolate Art interpreted by the GR Symphony. Tickets coming soon. |
| SPACE: An ArtPrize Experience A Secret Location Thu Sep 26: 6:30 – 11 PM Only forty tickets available! Board a magical mystery bus and arrive at an inspiring destination for upscale dining, live entertainment, and breathtaking sights. $250 per person 🔗 |
| AfterParty & Fashion Show RC Caylan x ArtPrize Awards Devos Place Fri Sep 27: 9 – 11 PM Lively and stylish after-party with drinks, watch models stride across the catwalk in a stunning display of haute couture. $129 per person 🔗 |
| BALANCE: An ArtPrize Experience Blue Bridge Sat Sep 28: 12:30 – 3:30 PM Only fifty tickets available! Floral-themed brunch with carriage rides and a performance by the Grand Rapids Symphony. Mingle with past and present ArtPrize winners. $250 per person 🔗 |
Big List of ArtPrize Events
ArtPrize ClubHouse & Priceless Gallery
Sept 13 – Sept 28, 2024
Noon – 8 PM Daily
61 Commerce Ave SW
Your one-stop spot for all things ArtPrize, the ClubHouse is a hub offering:
- Cool ArtPrize merch to take home
- Refreshing drinks
- Hands-on art workshops to spark your imagination
- Friendly faces at the Concierge desk to answer all your questions
- the Priceless Gallery, where the ArtPrize team has picked some amazing art that shows what it means to be human.
ArtPrize Dates & Voting Info for 2024
Voting will begin on September 13, 2024, at 12 PM and remain open until September 27 at 12 PM.
Anyone 13 years or older can vote in ArtPrize.
To vote in ArtPrize 2024, participants must register via a smartphone within the event’s boundaries. You can cast votes via your phone or in person at an ArtPrize Clubhouse Kiosk.
To start voting, you need to be physically present in the ArtPrize district for your first vote. This is verified by your phone’s location.
After that initial vote, you can vote from anywhere. You don’t need to return to the ArtPrize area to keep voting.
You can vote once per day for each entry. There’s no limit to how many different entries you can vote for each day.
This year, for the first time ever, there is only one round of voting.
