Last year, Grand Rapids witnessed the debut of ArtPrize and, for the first time in decades, not only did the locals take notice of what was happening within our city, but the world did too. For the first time since "Sculpture Off the Pedestal" in the 1970s, the largest monetary prize for art was awarded to the artist who the public decided exhibited the best piece.
It was a truly radical idea to place such power in one's handheld phone or computer screen.
And while last year was far from perfect, much praise should be heaped on the ArtPrize team who carefully listened to the critics and have returned in year two with a finely tuned event worthy of much praise.
In addition to better (and easier) transportation options, ArtPrize is also creating educational pathways with the addition of the world-class speakers as a part of their vastly improved lecture series, and the addition of prestigious curatorial awards from international and regional jurors.
The one area that is really beefed up this year, and with good reason, is the neighborhood portion of ArtPrize.
While record numbers flocked to downtown and broke all sorts of records for area merchants, all of the top finalists in the contest were based in the Center City. It was clear that people were not migrating to the neighborhoods as many had hoped.
I know firsthand it wasn't because of a lack of quality. Many of the venues I visited in these regions hosted some of my favorite works of art from last year. The fact was clear: it was hard to compete with the density of the Center City.
But this year, the playing field has been reworked, and I, for one, think we may actually see a few works emerge from one of the four neighborhoods that surround the Center City.
What ArtPrize has done in year two is encourage and facilitate neighborhood activities that will lure the masses away from Center City with a diverse array of specialty-themed events.
For example, in the bordering neighborhoods, a series of special events are being hosted where everything from outdoor movie screenings with free concessions to beer tastings to community art creation projects will be conducted over the course of the 19-day event.
It is also my hope that while people within the neighborhood boundaries, they will look around at more than just the art and explore, just as they did last year, the area businesses.
If you are unsure about where to go, just ask someone or post a note on your Facebook or Twitter. I am most certain you will get plenty of suggestions. Or if you want to venture into something new, then check out a trek using
SCVNGR -- you can find out more about SCVNGR in one of our Rapid Growth features this week.
This interaction with your city is the winning moment for ArtPrize, which has made no secret that a secondary goal of their event is to create a positive experience for area businesses too. I think using art like a carrot to lure you to a neighborhood you may not normally visit is a brilliant move on ArtPrize's part.
Grand Rapids is a city built upon the people who live here and as population trends indicate, we are growing at a rate higher than any other city in the state. So with each year, as ArtPrize grows, so will our city offering in tandem much to discover and to vote for with your finger to your handheld phone or with your wallet.
Isn't it wonderful what art can do for a city? …and for our neighborhoods, too.
The Future Needs All of Us (to venture further.)
Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor
Email:
[email protected]Twitter Feed: @TommyGSync
Click here to continue to this week's G-Sync events.Photo provided by Tommy Allen of TanglefootStudio.com
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