Everything You Need to Know About ArtPrize 2026

ArtPrize 2026 has officially wrapped, and it was one for the books! This year the festival grew to 22 days, with a Preview Week starting September 12 and the official competition running September 18 through October 3 across five districts of Grand Rapids. Here’s everything you need to know about ArtPrize 2026, including this year’s winners, the biggest events, and what to expect when it comes back next fall.

Table of Contents
What is ArtPrize?
Where is ArtPrize?
ArtPrize Events
Other Events

 

What is ArtPrize?

Starting in 2009, ArtPrize is an international art competition that invites artists from across the globe to showcase their talents and vie for amazing prizes. From the start, ArtPrize has stayed true to its mission of uniting people through creativity, connection, and awe-inspiring experiences. Since 2022, a partnership among the City of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI), and Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD) has brought fresh energy to the event. In 2026, more than 1,000 entries transformed the city into an extraordinary canvas, and organizers expanded the festival beyond visual art with themed weekends for dance, music, visual art, and fashion.

The competition aspect of ArtPrize is broken down into six different categories: 2D, 3D, Time-Based, Installation, New Media, and +Design. This gives artists of every style a chance to participate. More than $400,000 goes directly to artists each year. The Public Vote awards a $100,000 grand prize plus six $10,000 category awards, and the Juried awards mirror that, with a $100,000 grand prize and six $10,000 category prizes chosen by a panel of critics, curators, educators, and gallerists.

How Does Voting Work
Public voting for ArtPrize 2026 opened at noon on September 18 and closed at 10 p.m. on October 2, with all participating artists eligible throughout the entire voting window.

To vote, scan the QR code on an artist’s label, then log in or register through ArtPrize’s web voting system and cast your vote from that entry’s page. Keep in mind, you have to be physically located within the ArtPrize boundaries to cast your first vote, but after that you can vote from anywhere, and you can vote again every 24 hours.

ArtPrize 2026 Winners
Public Vote Grand Prize ($100,000): Sketchdiet: A Year of Drawing Everything I Ate by Kristin Pennock, displayed at DeVos Place
Juried Grand Prize ($100,000): Room for Lost Paradise by Robert Horvath, an immersive installation at Herrema & Sons Piano Co.
See the full list of category winners on the ArtPrize website.

 

Where Does ArtPrize 2026 Take Place?

The short answer: all over! For 22 days, ArtPrize makes the city of Grand Rapids a playground for creativity and celebration, with art spread across local businesses, parks, museums, breweries, and public spaces of every variety. The art is featured in venues spread across five distinct geographic districts: Center City, North, South, East, and West. Venues are open at least 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, and you can find every venue and entry on the ArtPrize website, mobile web app, and digital map.

Transportation for ArtPrize
Luckily, there are several low cost options for navigating ArtPrize, whether you’re driving, walking, scootering, biking, or using public transit — there’s so much to explore! Enjoy a walkable experience with paved routes connecting venues and plenty of spots to rest in between at parks and restaurants. Parking is plentiful, with options near venues in each district. Street parking is available via the MOTU app, but you can also plan ahead for parking lot & ramp options via the city’s interactive map. For public transit, the free Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) runs every 15 minutes through the ArtPrize District, while The Rapid’s Silver and Laker Line buses offer regular service. Lime e-scooters and e-bikes add another fun, flexible way to get around. Additional accessibility resources are also available through Experience Grand Rapids to ensure a comfortable visit for everyone.

ArtPrize ClubHouse
The ArtPrize ClubHouse is the central hub for visitors, artists, and volunteers. Stop by for help and information, or browse this year’s official merch.

 

ArtPrize 2026: Events to Know About

ArtPrize was bursting with excitement this year, with four themed weekends: dance during Preview Week, music on opening weekend, visual art at the halfway point, and fashion to close things out. Here are the highlights. To see the full list of events, visit the ArtPrize website.

Main Events
Opening Celebration
ArtPrize kicked off with a musical parade and an Earth Harp performance to celebrate the first official day of the competition.
When: Sept 18 from 5:30pm-10pm
Where: Rosa Parks Circle and the Pearl Street Bridge

Merchants & Makers Market
Talented vendors gathered in this outdoor marketplace full of art and handmade goods.
When: Sept 19, Sept 26 & Oct 3 from 10am-6pm
Where: Rosa Parks Circle

HalfTime Party
The HalfTime Party marked the halfway point of ArtPrize voting with live painting by 14 artists, zoo exhibits, food, a cash bar, and a reveal of the current frontrunners.
When: Sept 26 from 5:30pm-8:30pm
Where: John Ball Zoo

Awards Celebration & Fashion Show
ArtPrize went out with a bang! The winners were announced during a celebration featuring fashion, live music, performances, and a drone show.
When: Oct 3 from 6:30pm-10pm
Where: Acrisure Amphitheater

 

Family-Friendly Highlights
Opera Grand Rapids
Opera Grand Rapids performed live as part of opening weekend’s music lineup.
When: Sept 19
Where: Rosa Parks Circle

DoodleStreet
Kids and families enjoyed hands-on art activities, a Day of the Dead community art project, dance performances, and LEGO fun.
When: Sept 26 from 11am-4pm
Where: Grand Rapids Downtown Market

Brickworld
This family-friendly LEGO convention featured interactive exhibits, displays, vendors, and building activities.
When: Sept 26-27
Where: DeVos Place

 

Other Cool Art Events Happening Around GR

SouthPrize
Grand Rapids Third Ward partnered with ArtPrize to host SouthPrize, a concurrent competition running alongside the main event.
When: During ArtPrize
Where: Grand Rapids Third Ward

Primary/Secondary by Avant Theatre Ballet
This ballet performance brought dance into two unique Grand Rapids spaces.
When: Sept 26-27
Where: The Elevated Market and The Glasshouse

Food & Art Walking Tours
Guided tours paired downtown art with coffee, local food, and hands-on experiences, including evening tours on select weekdays.
When: Throughout the festival
Where: Downtown Grand Rapids

When Is ArtPrize 2027?
Dates for ArtPrize 2027 haven’t been announced yet, but the festival traditionally returns each September. Keep an eye on the ArtPrize website for next year’s dates.