GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The organizers behind ArtPrize have announced some changes to the annual competition.
This fall, instead of 17 days, the festival will run for 22. In addition to bringing back “Preview Week,” the competition will be designed around four “themed weekends” to focus on specific forms of art, partnered with local institutions.
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The first weekend will emphasize dance. The second will highlight music. The third weekend will center on visual arts. The final weekend will focus on fashion.
Tyler Loftis, the ArtPrize Executive Director, called the changes the logical next step for the competition.
“Building on the diversity and the passion surrounding ArtPrize, it feels very much like a natural progression to include these other art forms in a meaningful way and show off what a rich palette of fine arts Grand Rapids has to offer,” Loftis said in a statement.
Coleman Brook Sr., ArtPrize’s Deputy Director, says he’s excited to bring back “Preview Week” as a thank you to West Michigan, giving the community a chance to check out the entries before the big crowds come to town.
Arras by Mark Lewanski is displayed at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum for ArtPrize. (Sept. 28, 2025)
“The chance for locals to experience these incredible installations before more crowds descend on the city was greatly appreciated in years past,” Brook stated. “That opportunity for Grand Rapidians is something we are proud to revive.”
ArtPrize Preview Week runs from Sept. 12 through Sept. 17. The competition runs from Sept. 18 through Oct. 3. Hundreds of entries are expected across parks, museums and other places around downtown Grand Rapids. As always, all are free and open to the public.
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More than 1,100 creators from 39 states and 18 countries took part in ArtPrize last year and $500,000 in grants were awarded to artists.
Since its launch in 2009, ArtPrize has become one of the world’s most attended public art events. It drew more than 900,000 visitors to Grand Rapids in 2025.
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