Grants

ArtPrize is proud to present the suite of grants for 2026! This suite of grant programs are intended to bring a dynamic and diverse range of art + design to ArtPrize this fall. ArtPrize attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who engage with, vote for, and potentially buy artworks submitted as ArtPrize entries, and all entries are judged by a jury of art + design professionals. This one of a kind art experience takes place annually in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. These grants are highly competitive and look to support talented local, regional, and international artists and designers of all disciplines. This page will continue to be updated as we share additional grant information and opportunities. Please note, grants are being finalized and are subject to change.

In anticipation for the maximalist art event that transforms a city with art, Short's Brewing and ArtPrize are excited to find the next label for the beloved Black IPA Bludgeon Yer Eye.

Short’s Brewing will provide a $500 honorarium for the rights to artwork to be used in perpetuity for packaging and promotional materials.

View the proposal and additional info below.

ArtPrize Pitch Nights

If you are an artist or designer living in or near one of five cities across the country, ArtPrize Pitch Night is coming your way this spring to discover exciting, ambitious projects and bring them to Grand Rapids for ArtPrize.

2026 Pitch Night events are held in partnership with local organizations in each region and will take place in the following cities:

• Detroit - March 26

• Oklahoma - April 23

• Arizona - June 30

ArtPrize is excited to offer registered venues grant opportunities to support their dream ArtPrize exhibitions for 2026! These grants are $1,500 each and are designed to help offset some of the costs associated with curating a dynamic venue and exhibiting exceptional artists.

Applications Open: March 2
Applications Close: May 28

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• Application

The Artist Seed Grant program supports exceptionally talented emerging artists and designers, helping them bring compelling work to ArtPrize 2026. Each selected artist or designer will receive $2,000 to assist with artwork creation and logistical costs, ensuring they can fully participate in the event. These grants help maintain ArtPrize’s accessibility for artists worldwide and at all career stages.

Applications Open: March 30, 2026
Applications Close: May 30, 2026
Artists + Designers Notified: The week of June 15, 2026

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*All Artist Seed Grant applicants must be registered as an ArtPrize Artist before submitting their grant application. Applications from Artists not registered as an ArtPrize 2026 Artist will not be considered.

The Heartside Business Association Grant intends to help an ArtPrize Artist, specifically a local Grand Rapids artist, bring their vision to life for the 2026 ArtPrize event at Pekich Park. HBA seeks a local Artist, or local collaborative group, to submit their ArtPrize entry to be considered for a $2,000 grant to help supplement the costs associated with fabrication, shipping, installation, travel/stay, and any other expenses related to their Entry. Please note that this grant is for an outdoor entry and thus the entry must withstand the elements for the duration of the event.

Applications Open: Apr 21, 2026
Applications Close: May 28, 2026
Artist(s) Notified: Week of Jun 8, 2026

Eligibility

• Open to artists 18 years or older.

• Must be registered as an ArtPrize 2026 artist before applying.

• Collaborative groups are eligible but must include resumes for all members.

• Projects must comply with the Grand Rapids City Commission public art policy.

ArtPrize is proud to continue supporting authentically talented and conceptually compelling Artists + Designers in bringing their big visions to life this fall. ArtPrize is seeking proposals for compelling, large-scale, public artworks to activate high-visibility public sites and create must-see locations during the ArtPrize event. 

Launched in 2016, Featured Public Projects is one of ArtPrize’s signature grant programs. This program was created to assist Artists in activating high-visibility public sites during the event with ambitious large-scale public artworks. This year the grant pool is dedicated to one project and will be distributed based on the needs of the projects selected.

Grant Applications Open: March 2
Grant Applications Close: April 1

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The ArtPrize Team, Community Partners, and Steering Committee pledges to continue to raise its standard of creative excellence and remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining ArtPrize as a dynamic platform for the exhibition of artwork and designs from across the globe.

By conducting a highly competitive selection process to actively support a diverse group of art and artists within the grant program, we believe this will enhance the overall quality of the annual ArtPrize event. All grant applications will be reviewed by the ArtPrize Exhibitions Council, ArtPrize staff, and external individuals as required by partnership agreements.