Artist FAQs

• Artist + Designer Registration: March 18th - June 11th (EXTENDED)
  -Returning Artist? Login and pay 2026 registration fee.
  -New Artist? Create your account.
  
  

• Venue Registration: March 18th - June 11th (EXTENDED)
  
  

• Connections Begins: May 18th
  
  

• Connections End: June 25th
  
  

• ArtPrize 2026 Begins: September 17th

Artist Rules and Handbook

• Approximate 2026 ArtPrize Boundaries & Districts (see map below)

What is ArtPrize?

ArtPrize is an international art competition and cultural event held annually in Grand Rapids, MI. Businesses, organizations, and public spaces open their doors to artworks from all over the world, creating a citywide gallery. Viewing is free and open to the public.

ArtPrize is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by corporate, foundation, governmental, and individual donations.

When is it? 

ArtPrize 2026 runs from September 17 to October 3.

Where is it?  

ArtPrize is located in Grand Rapids, MI. It covers an approximately 4.5 square mile area centered around downtown Grand Rapids (view boundary map above).

Why be an ArtPrize artist? 

The benefit of being an ArtPrize artist is not only the chance to win awards and public accolades. Entering your artwork in ArtPrize creates opportunities to showcase your work to hundreds of thousands of visitors, network with peers, attend professional development events, and potentially sell your work or find commissions. Artists have created businesses as a result of their ArtPrize experience, started galleries, found patrons and commissions — both private and institutional — and so much more. 

How much is it to enter?

Solo Artists: $65

Collaborative Groups: $130 (two or more artists associated with the creation of an entry)

Students, faculty, and staff of educational institutions using a .edu email address or their institutional email can request a discount before submitting payment by emailing exhibitions@artprize.org.

Registration opens March 18.

What's the 'prize' in ArtPrize?

ArtPrize offers awards that are determined by both public voting and a juried award process.
Public votes select both a grand prize award winner ($100,000) and category winners ($10,000 ea.) in each of the six entry categories. Juried awards are selected by a panel of experts and award a grand prize winner ($100,000) and winners in each of six entry categories ($10,000 ea.).

What are the entry categories?
2D – Entries that exist primarily on a flat plane. Painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, and most textiles are examples of 2D work. 

3D – Entries that occupy space and are intended to be viewed from multiple angles. Sculptures that are not site-specific (see the installation category for site-specific sculptures) belong in the 3D category. 

Time-Based – Entries that are durational and change over time. The viewer has to spend some time with the work to fully view it. This includes performance, video and film, dance, music, and interactive work. 

Installation – Entries that are dependent on the site in which they are installed. The location is not a neutral ground and is an important element of the work. Installation is different from 3D in that changing the location of the piece would dramatically change the work. 

New Media – Entries that are created using a wide range of emerging digital art technologies. This can include but is not limited to animation, VR/AR, projection mapping, visual data analysis and display, video games, and generative art practices (as tools to produce and display artworks). Note: ArtPrize only recognizes humans as artists and designers eligible to receive prizes (but acknowledges that humans need creative tools).

Design – Entries that are physical expressions of purpose with the intent to impact the way life is experienced. +Design entries may belong to any of design disciplines including fashion design, furniture design, automotive design, architecture, urban design, industrial design, etc.

Are there grants available?

A variety of grants are offered to artists which are intended to bring a dynamic and diverse range of art and design to ArtPrize. These grants are highly competitive and look to support talented local, regional, and international artists and designers of all disciplines. Find specific details on eligibility and application requirements.

Do I need a permit and insurance for my entry?

Depends on your work and where it is being hosted. Some outdoor entries may need city permits and Arts Advisory Board approval. Details in the Artist Handbook. Insurance is not required, but strongly encouraged to provide assurance. Please email exhibitions@artprize.org for preferred insurance carriers. 

Do I have to be there? 

No, but we strongly encourage artists to attend! The event offers numerous opportunities to engage, from experiencing the entries and immersive activities to attending our Signature ArtPrize Events and valuable networking opportunities.

How do I find a venue to exhibit my work?

It all starts with registration for artists and venues each spring. Once registered, the matchmaking begins through a system called Connections (opening Monday, May 18th for 2026).

Connections is a tool within your artist dashboard for pairing artists and venues, and it works in both directions.

As a registered artist, you can browse available venue profiles on the ArtPrize dashboard and request to connect with spaces you think fit your work. Venues can also take the lead - if a venue has a specific vision for their exhibition and spots your entry, they may reach out to you first!

Here's how the process unfolds once Connections opens:

1. Browse venues and request connections with spaces that feel like a good fit for your work. Make sure to keep an eye on your dashboard for incoming requests from venues interested in hosting you!

2. Confirm or deny interest so venues know where you stand. If it's not a fit, let them know promptly so you can both move on.

3. Discuss the details. Once mutual interest is confirmed - meaning you've accepted each other's connection request and have been in direct contact with the venue manager via email, etc. - it's time to work out the specifics: installation timing, space logistics, who handles what, and anything else relevant to your exhibition.

4. Sign a Hosting Agreement with the venue you commit to exhibiting with. Venues typically initiate this agreement using a template provided by ArtPrize and will send it directly to the artist(s) they are hosting. This is a contract negotiated directly between you and the venue- the terms are yours to work out together.
   Once both of you have signed, make sure to confirm by checking the "Signed Hosting Agreement" box in the Connections dashboard - this is required for the connection to register in our system.

5. You're connected! Once confirmed, you'll show as connected with your venue and can begin planning for the event.

The exhibitions team is happy to answer questions along the way. For a full walkthrough of the process, review the Artist Handbook. Questions? Reach out at exhibitions@artprize.org.

Need More Help?

Please email support@artprize.org with general questions. 

Specific questions concerning exhibiting and participating, please email exhibitions@artprize.org.

Have technical questions about the artist/venue dashboard or the how the connections process works? Check out our 'Help & How-Tos' page.