ArtPrize
ArtPrize is an international art competition held annually in Grand Rapids, Michigan, starting in 2009. ArtPrize is unusual both for the large top prize ($200,000, combined with other prizes cumulatively amounting to about $500,000) and for the method of judging entries.
Unlike traditional competitions, ArtPrize contestants are judged by the public as well as by a jury of professional artists. The initial ArtPrize, in 2009, was judged only by the public, voting from mobile devices and the ArtPrize web site. In 2010, ArtPrize added categories judged by juries. The current categories are Two-Dimensional, Three-Dimensional, Time-Based, and Installation. In each category, there is a winner based on voting and a winner selected by a jury. In addition, there are juried and voted grand prizes of $200,000.
Artists and venues (exhibition locations) are required to negotiate and coordinate during a process called Connections. Each artist applies to various Venues at which their art-work can be shown. If the artwork is not accepted by any Venue, it is not eligible for a prize. Also, if no artists will be showing at a Venue, that Venue will not be part of ArtPrize.
During the event, the public votes on the artists’ entries using mobile devices and the ArtPrize web page.
The concept of ArtPrize is that it accepts artists of all backgrounds, and anyone who shows up has a vote to decide the winner. The method of choosing the prize winner has been compared to American Idol. No one on the ArtPrize staff selects a single artist or directs them where to show their work.
Voters must register in person within the three-square-mile ArtPrize district, either at a physical registration location, or using the iPhone or Android application. Once registered, they may use the ArtPrize website, text messaging, or an iPhone or Android application to vote. For text message voting, each artist is assigned two 5-digit codes, one for a "thumbs up" vote and one for a "thumbs down" vote. Both of these codes are posted near every entry, with many artists incorporating them into their entries or promotional materials.
The 2009 exhibition occurred in a 3-square-mile (7.8 km2) area of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1,262 artists or groups of artists displayed works in 159 venues.
The 2009 prizes, totaling to $449,000, were:
On October 1, the top 10 entries were announced, and their ranking was announced October 8:
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