Venue Registration Opens, Exhibition Centers Announced
If you were part of ArtPrize 2009, you’ll remember the sense of urgency to rush through planning as part of “the experiment.” However, we don’t feel it has to stay that way.
This year, we start registration earlier–and change how we do it–to allow more room for planning and site specific work.
Venue Registration
Opens today! Monday, March 15 (Noon EDT)
Close: Thursday April 15, 2010 (5:00PM EDT)
Artist Registration
Open: Monday, April 19 (Noon EDT)
Close: Thursday, May 27 (5:00PM EDT)
Artist/Venue Matching Period
Open: Tuesday, June 1 (Noon EDT)
Close: Thursday, July 1 (5:00PM EDT)
ArtPrize 2010 Event
September 22 – October 10
WHY WE CHANGED REGISTRATION
In 2009, artists and venues registered simultaneously. The matching period opened before registration ended, so new artists were signing up as venues were locking in their show. In 2010, venues register first, so artists identify certain spaces to help shape their ideas. During May, venues watch artists become available and make plans for their own shows. Since, artists cannot officially secure a venue until the matching period–after registration ends–venues know all available artists before any are secured for the event.
By June, hopefully artists and venues are already making plans and having conversations. There is one month to finalize arrangements, sign hosting agreements and secure connections on the website.
SIX EXHIBITION CENTERS
More people, see more art, in more neighborhoods. That’s the mantra behind “exhibition centers,” what we call a handful of large venues curated by regional cultural institutions.
In 2009, The Old Federal building quickly became a starting point for people to venture out into ArtPrize. In reflection, it was a large venue (over 30 artists), professionally curated and housing a voter registration site and ArtPrize store. People felt confident that it was a good place to start.
In 2010, we want people to explore the city more. So, we’re creating exhibition centers as different launching points into the event. Each one is a non-profit facility with a sponsor attached, curated by a regional cultural institution, and housing over 25 artists, a voter registration site and a store.
They are…
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts
Diocese of Grand Rapids’ Cathedral Square
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Women’s City Club
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
EXTRA CREDIT
Some of you paying close attention notice Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park falls outside of the ArtPrize boundary. No, we’re not changing the boundary this year. Meijer Gardens is an exception because 1) they are the only internationally recognized arts organization in Grand Rapids that falls outside our boundary and 2) they made a large commitment to provide a shuttle for their visitors into the ArtPrize district.