ArtPrize 2024 kicks off today with parades, fireworks

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Friday marks the start of ArtPrize, a massive art competition held across Grand Rapids created 15 years ago.

ArtPrize will be held from Sept. 13 through Sept.28. According to ArtPrize Executive Director Catlin Whitington, this year’s show will feature around 900 pieces of art spread across 183 venues.

It will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday with an opening celebration, which will include three separate parades that will meet at the Pearl Street Bridge. The public can participate by meeting at 6:30 p.m. at one of the three starting areas: Fish Ladder Park, 555 Monroe NW or the ArtPrize ClubHouse at 61 Commerce Ave. SW.

A party will be held at the Pearl Street Bridge, including music, food, drinks and visual displays. Then, around 8:45 p.m., ArtPrize will unveil a huge Candain surprise . The first day of celebrations will end with a fireworks display .

Once the competition reaches the halfway point, ArtPrize will hold the HalfTime Show from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, during which organizers will announce the top 100 entries.

The winners will be announced during a block party outside Kendall College of Art and Design on Friday, Sept. 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

To find more information about ArtPrize, including the schedule of events, visit the competition’s website .

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