G-Sync - A City Suddenly Flush With Cash*

G-Sync Events for the weeks of 09/4 - 10/2009
By Tommy Allen

As I kicked back on Sunday at my favorite breakfast spot, I began to mull over my ArtPrize entry for the 100th time, just like many of my fellow artists who are plotting a path to the September 23rd opening.  As I finished my fourth cup of the liquid dark energy, I hit the brakes on my train of thoughts and began to reflect on the multiplier effect of the money being spent on exhibiting the artworks - a topic I think many may missing in the days leading up to this historic event.

While much ado has been made about ArtPrize on various discussion boards from Facebook to the lively (and local) GRIID, the one factor I think that is missing in most media and tweets are how our artists have become re-energized and reinvested in our community. A large cash carrot is dangling before us, but most artists, like me, are realists and understand the odds with only 10 prizewinners and more than 1,200 artists in the mix.

Many artists are simply in it for the experience of this event, outside of the cash prizes.  Their investment involves a personal commitment of time and energy, but also cold hard cash as well. As we already have seen, artists are contracting for local services including framing, public relations and even heavy lifting with cranes to install their works of art within the 3- mile radius.

As one who has exhibited my own art for years in this region, there has always been costs involved in preparing for a show.  And in the case of ArtPrize it is no different.

So just like Art Basel in Miami many years ago, local businesses already are benefiting from the stimulus package that ArtPrize has provided.  I know a number of my purist friends will cringe at the mere thought that Art Basel would share the same wordspace as ArtPrize, but the economic impact of both events on their regions are too similar to ignore.

Just like in Miami, we are already seeing fun, inventive and distinctly local events pop up around ArtPrize like the festive ShirtPrize and just outside the boundaries ArtPeers events.  How these events can be quantified after October 10 is yet to be seen, and I am personally hoping some progressive college professor in our area is already placing this assignment in his or her syllabus.

While money has always been a part of the art world throughout the ages, I still believe the spark of creativity is something that cannot be tracked readily on a spreadsheet. This creative spark is actually a wonderful asset for our region as the world begins to turn its eyes to our tiny river town where big ideas still can rise to the surface.

The DeVos' family has a lot of skin in the game on this venture, and so do so many who are banking that West Michigan can be a creative center with some reputation.  Come October 8th at the award ceremony, I have no doubt we all will be awarded winners.



Choose local.…and often.

– Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor
Email:  [email protected]
Twitter Tour Guide: @TommyGSync


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Photo of Tommy Allen provided by Terry Johnston




Press Releases for upcoming events in the West Michigan area should be sent to [email protected]. Please include high res jpg images that are at least 500 pixels wide. Thank you. - Tommy