ArtPrize, the highly anticipated annual international contemporary art competition and immersive festival, has concluded its 2023 edition; ArtPrize 2023 with its grand finale at Rosa Parks Circle, Grand Rapids, Michigan. After 18 days of awe-inspiring art exhibitions and activations, ArtPrize awarded an astounding $400,000 in prize money across various categories, making it a truly unforgettable event.
This year marked a significant evolution for ArtPrize, with a fresh collaboration between the City of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc., and Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. This partnership brought new life to the event, attracting 950 participating artists from 12 countries and 30 states, who showcased captivating artwork across various mediums, including photography, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and beaded embroidery. Over 150 local venues, from public parks to bars and restaurants, transformed Grand Rapids into a living canvas.
Catlin Whitington, ArtPrize’s executive director, expressed her excitement, saying, “ArtPrize offers a unique opportunity to unite artists from around the world and engage with the public to witness, interact, and vote upon spectacular works of art. As we wrap up this exceptional year, we’re setting the stage for a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire.”
The Public Vote, open to all ArtPrize attendees aged 13 and up, awarded the following artists:
- First Place for $125,000: Abdoulaye Conde’s “Raining Wisdom”
- Second Place for $50,000: Rebecca Humes’ “Tale of Ten Dresses” on display at JW Marriott Grand Rapids
- Third Place for $25,000: Peggy Slattery’s “An Iris Collection of 5” on display at Amway Grand Plaza
In addition to the Public Vote, a distinguished committee comprised of art experts evaluated the Juried Competition, recognizing artists who exemplify excellence in their respective mediums. Each category’s first-place winner received $20,000:
- 2D: Stephen Brennan’s “Mandy with Orchid” on display at Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
- 3D: Kumkum Fernando’s “The Lost Mystics” on display at ArtPrize ClubHouse
- Digital: Eric Souther and Benjamin Rosenthal’s “Body-oddy-oddy-oddy: Destabilizing the Surveilling of Queer Bodies” on display at ArtPrize ClubHouse
- Time-Based: Aryel Jackson’s “The Future is a Constant Wake” on display at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University
- Installation (tied): DisArt’s “The Art of Disruption” and Whitney Pyles’ “The Zone of Authenticity” (both winners received $10,000)
A notable addition to this year’s ArtPrize was the Visibility Awards, aimed at supporting contemporary artists from underrepresented communities. Presented by MillerKnoll, each honoree received $15,000:
- Vanguard Award for Contemporary Black Artists, presented by LMCU: Maya James’ “#NoMoreStolenSist(a)s” on display at Zabház
- Originators Award for Contemporary Indigenous Artists, presented by Gun Lake Casino and Gun Lake Investments: Juan Pimentel’s “SERENITY” on display at Harmony Brewing Company
- Horizontes Award for Contemporary Latino Artists: Salvador Jimenez-Flores’ “Caminantes / Wayfarers” on display at ArtPrize Oasis
- Crossroads Award for Contemporary Asian Artists: Minyoung Kwak’s “Isa(Moving)” on display at Monroe Community Church
- Prism Award for Contemporary Queer Artists: Christopher Shields’ “Technophobia'” on display at The Morton
ArtPrize 2023 delivered an array of daily events, including block parties, immersive artist workshops, live music performances, and the groundbreaking Art of Disruption exhibition presented by DisArt, which explored the intersection of race and disability activism. With over a million visitors, ArtPrize promises to return in 2024, with dates set for September 13-28, 2024, continuing to celebrate art, inspiration, and connection in the heart of Grand Rapids.
For more information on this year’s winners and ArtPrize 2024, please visit ArtPrize.org.
About ArtPrize: ArtPrize is an annual, international art festival and competition in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It celebrates creative ideas, conversations, experimentation, and inclusiveness, offering a platform for artists from around the world. Established in 2009, ArtPrize has grown into a remarkable event through a partnership between The City of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc., and Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering art and community engagement.