Here for ArtPrize, gone tomorrow?

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority says it believes in ArtPrize's long-term economic benefit.

"Absolutely," DDA development specialist Anne Marie Bessette said. "And it's strengthening our storefronts that have already been here."

Bessette cited examples like Lambert Edwards, Lee & Birch, and Craft-Revival, that tried out ArtPrize in the last two years, and set up permanent locations downtown.

Bessette said the art competition brings new business in and allows visitors to rediscover older businesses downtown.

But there are several locations that are mainly around for ArtPrize.

The Green Lion Gallery on Fulton Street is open for the next year. The gallery's focus is mainly on ArtPrize, but it will also host other exhibits throughout the year.

Another short-term location is at 2 E. Fulton Street. The former Junior Achievement building has been vacant for years, sitting as an eyesore at the corner of Fulton Street and Division Avenue.

The non-profit organization SiTE:LAB opened an ArtPrize venue at the building. The group runs art exhibits in vacant buildings, including one at the former Grand Rapids Public Museum site.

"You have landlords who want exposure for their space," Bessette said.

She said some building owners are offering free rent, like at 2 E. Fulton Street, and The Spot on Pearl Street.

"Everyone's really excited about the impact that ArtPrize has had on all of downtown, and the partnerships it's helped form," Bessette continued, "and how those partnerships are allowing people to discover spaces that they otherwise wouldn't."