ArtPrize 2024 Dates:
September 13 – 28, 2024
ArtPrize Map, Where to Park, Stay & Eat for ArtPrize 2024
Welcome to ArtPrize, the 16-day art competition in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, where any artist can win the $125,000 top prize or a share of the $400,000 in prize money. Established in 2009, ArtPrize has become a signature event for the city.
People love ArtPrize because:
- it’s free to attend and inclusive
- pop-up art installations and events turn up the volume on our city
- it’s like a giant city-sized treasure hunt – you never know what incredible artworks you’ll stumble upon
- it’s for all ages
- visitors actively take part in deciding which artists win the prize money
During ArtPrize, there is seemingly art everywhere – in parks, museums, restaurants, laundromats, theaters, hotel lobbies, bridges – spread over three square miles.
in this article
ArtPrize 2024 By the Numbers
This year, ArtPrize is from September 13 – 28, 2024.
- 16 days
- 42 states represented
- 53 countries represented
- 170 venues
- 861 entries
- 1,005 artists
- $125,000 grand prize
- $400,000 awarded
- 700,000 visitors
Prize Breakdown
19 Cash Awards including:
- $125,000 Public Vote Grand Prize
- $50,000 Juried Grand Prize
- $400,000 Total Prizes Awarded
Prepping for Your First Visit to ArtPrize
ArtPrize is an extremely popular Grand Rapids event, especially on evenings and weekends. It might be really busy when you visit. With that in mind, we’ve put together a few tips to help maximize your visit.
[See ArtPrize Visitor’s Info]
Anyone 13 Years or Older Can Vote for the Winners!
ArtPrize voting begins at 12 PM on September 13, 2024, and remains open until September 27 at 12 PM.
New for 2024 is only one round of voting. There’s usually been two rounds, with a second round of voting happening after finalists were announced.
This year, it’s just one round for the duration of Art Prize. This gives everyone more time to enjoy all the amazing artwork from ALL the artists.
Ready to vote for your favorite ArtPrize entries? Here’s how:
- Register to Vote: Scan the QR code on any entry downtown within the ArtPrize Boundary. You’ll be able to vote for your favorite entries on your mobile device. A fun twist this year: Once you cast your first vote in person downtown, you will be able to vote from anywhere for the rest of the event!
- Cast Your Votes: Vote as many times as you like! Just remember, you can only vote for each entry once a day. After 24 hours, feel free to vote again.
It’s that simple—now go make your voice heard!
Be Aware of Venue Open Hours
Venues don’t have to be open in the morning. Venues have agreed to at least be open to the public during these times during Art Prize.
Monday-Thursday: 5–8 PM
Friday & Saturday: Noon–8 PM
Sunday: Noon–6 PM
Weekday Visits Mean Shorter Waits
If possible, visit on a weekday if you’re looking to minimize wait times and crowds.
Daytime vs Nighttime Visits
Try to visit once during the day and then again after dark. Some exhibits only operate at night, like light shows.
Strategy: Aim for Outdoor Exhibits if Needed
Usually, a good number of exhibits are located outside. This is helpful because you can attend outside of venue open hours and still see art.
Fully Charge Your Phone
Start off with a fully charged phone and maybe bring a portable charger, too. You’ll likely take a lot of photos, scan QR codes and use map apps to navigate from one venue to another.
Restrooms
There are public restrooms at Ah-Nab-Awen park as well as at participating hotels. Also, DeVos Place serves as a bathroom break.
What to Wear/Bring
Good walking shoes are a must. Dress in layers according to the weather. A water bottle and backpack are handy.
Families: Bring snacks & drinks. If you need a stroller, think small.
Where to Stay in Grand Rapids for ArtPrize
Grand Rapids is home to many clean, well-kept hotels. Here’s our list of the best hotels both downtown and in the surrounding area.
Staying overnight for the first Friday is a great idea so you can enjoy the opening fireworks!
Our pick for families
Features complimentary breakfast, pool, in-room mini-fridge & microwave
Our pick for couples
Features upscale downtown location, spa, bar & coffee shop
Our pick for pet lovers
Features rooftop bar, Madcap coffee, pet-friendly
Our pick for free parking
Features pool, fitness center, riverside location, free on-site private parking for guests
Places to Eat During ArtPrize
The fun thing about ArtPrize is that many local eateries become venues and feature exhibits.
But really, anywhere you choose to dine is going to be a winner, from our fave grown-up restaurants (most are family friendly to boot) to unique kid-friendly spots. There are even venues where kids eat free or cheap.
ArtPrize Map
Interactive 2024 ArtPrize map showing our top picks all over Grand Rapids.
Family Favorites for 2024
If you’re like us, you may like to plan ahead while exploring ArtPrize with kids, so we’ve compiled our Family Favorites and put them on their own interactive map.
We’ve walked all over ArtPrize 2024 and picked the best art prize stops for families.
Do a Scavenger Hunt at ArtPrize
[Download Printable ArtPrize Scavenger Hunts]
Kids just love to turn anything into a game or an adventure.
With that in mind, we are returning again this year with an ArtPrize Scavenger Hunt. This fun activity will add the elements of exploration and adventure to your kids’ ArtPrize experience!
Animal Scavenger Hunt for ArtPrize
Shapes & Colors Scavenger Hunt for ArtPrize
Must-See ArtPrize Venues 2024
Use this list of ArtPrize Venues to see what’s at the best art prize stops for families.
ArtPrize Events
What’s going on at ArtPrize 2024? We’ve got the scoop on all the highlights.
A summary list of events is below.
ArtPrize FAQs
Will there be an ArtPrize 2024?
• Yes, ArtPrize is happening in 2024 in Grand Rapids, MI.
• ArtPrize starts on Friday, September 13, 2024.
• The last day of ArtPrize is Saturday, September 28, 2024.
How much does it cost to get into Art Prize 2024?
ArtPrize does not charge admission; it is free to attend and participate in this event.
In fact, all venues are free and open to the public for the duration of ArtPrize during open hours.
What is ArtPrize?
ArtPrize is an art competition that takes place in buildings, parks, businesses and public spaces in the fall in Downtown Grand Rapids, MI.
Hundreds of artists compete for a variety of prizes, some of which are awarded by public participation. In addition to art, pop-up events are slated for all 16 days of the competition.
When are ArtPrize buildings open?
All venues have agreed to be open within Minimum Venue Hours, though many venues open earlier and close later than the listed times.
Monday-Thursday: 5–8 PM
Friday & Saturday: Noon–8 PM
Sunday: Noon–6 PM
Where to Park for ArtPrize
No more quarters! Downtown is packed for ArtPrize, but there are lots of ramps and other parking available.
If you’re looking for low-cost parking, try under the 131 overpass to the west of the Gerald R. Ford Museum or at Park Church (10 East Park Place NE).
We’ve got the scoop on downtown parking and how to use the city’s MOTU parking app.
Scooters, Bikes & the Bus for Art Prize
If your group is able, leave the car behind.
Take the free Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus (called the Downtown Area Shuttle DASH,) walk, or try the rentable scooters and bikes to beat the crowds and get around town faster.
ArtPrize Winners
Check back soon for the 2024 winners as they’re announced! This article and map will have the 2024 winners list.
Hello, This was my first year to Art Prize. I feel I need a week to see everything. I especially liked the Butterfly and Angel exhibit. My family rushed me through it and I want to look at it again. Who is the artist and how can I see a picture of it. I live 3 hours from Grand Rapids and won’t be able to get back there this week.
I am always grateful for this list! We use it with my classroom every year. A few suggestions/requests:
– Can this list be printable? I can’t even copy and paste it so I basically re-write the entire list.
– You used to do a “Stroller Tour” with a map that we always used- I would love to see that come back!
– Just the ability for us to copy and paste these suggested art pieces as well as the scavenger hunt would be very helpful.
Thank you for considering my suggestions! Grateful for the work that you do!
The life sized fairy house – whimsical
Enchantment – at the Atrium in Uccello’s is great. Tons of adorable details inside & out. You can go inside to look at all the stuff inside. They also have a small carousel – Grab the Brass Ring – that has animals.
If you want to stay away from the crowds A great place to visit this year is Peppinos Pizzeria behind Van Andel. .They have a family friendly atmosphere and the art works are larger than life including a colorful insect display and Michigan,Michigan state football field with minions. Across the street is Western Michigan univ and they have several unique pieces including a tapestry rug created with sand. Also there is an all day $5 parking lot nearby I think its Area 4.
Thank you so much for this map and information! Unfortunately, the streets are such a light gray, they don’t show up with my black & white printer. Bummer.
I’m also not sure which is the “stroller friendly” route and which is the “bigger kid” route. It only says “Route One” and “Route Two.”
Don’t forget to check out “Dream Big” in the lobby of the Courtyard Marriott! There are a couple steps to get up to the dream catcher to add your own feather/dream to it, but it’s also entirely visibly to enjoy from the main door with no steps or barriers in the way!
Thank you for the warning about DeVos. It’s one of the places we usually all go because there’s a lot of entries. Sometimes I get to go walk around ArtPrize without the kids first, but sometimes I don’t. I appreciate the tip so we can plan a kid-friendly route!
What is the warning?
Will there be a map available with these location, similar to last year? We used it for our 4th grade field trip and love it! Thank you:)
Yes, the map and Art List is now available to print. Enjoy!!