ArtPrize releases registration dates

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Officials announced Tuesday the registration dates and timeline for submitting art in the Grand River for ArtPrize 2012.

This year's competition will be held Sept. 19 to Oct. 7 in the downtown area. The Top 10 winners receive cash prizes, with the first-place winner taking home $200,000. The public votes for the winners using mobile devices and the Internet.

ArtPrize organizers do not choose artists; venues choose artists. Any space in downtown Grand Rapids can register to be a venue. Artists must connect with a venue to participate in the event.

"The ArtPrize platform creates a system that values creativity, experimentation and above all, collaboration," said Catherine Creamer, executive director of ArtPrize. "Artists are encouraged to build a relationship and partner with a venue as early as possible to create a memorable and successful installation."

Venue Registration
Open: March 12 (Noon EDT)
Close: April 12 (5 p.m. EDT)

Artist Registration/Connections Open
April 23 (Noon EDT)

Artist Registration Close
May 24 (5 p.m. EDT)

Connections Period Close
June 14 (5 p.m. EDT)

There are few differences between the 2011 and 2012 registration process. Key changes include simultaneous Artist Registration and Connections Period, allowing artists to immediately coordinate with a venue upon registration. Connections will remain open beyond Artist Registration until June 14.

Any art proposed for installation in the Grand River, which runs through the center of the ArtPrize district, must be submitted to the City of Grand Rapids and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) according to the following schedule:

Pre-application filed with the City of Grand Rapids
March 5
 
Application filed with the DEQ
March 16

The DNRE will process the application using the following steps:

• Public notice period begins: March 30
• Public notice period ends: April 20
• Public hearing, if requested: May 18
• Required time for comments: May 29

Permit Decision
June 7

This process allows the state of Michigan and City of Grand Rapids to review proposed work and ensure that the installation meets specific criteria relevant to the environmental, structural and navigability impact on the river.

In ArtPrize 2011, Mia Tavonatti, of Orange County, Calif. captured the top prize of $250,000 for her work "Crucifixion." Chris LaPorte of Grand Rapids. won the top prize in 2010 with "Cavalry, American Officers, 1921." Ran Ortner of Brooklyn, N.Y. won in 2009 for his work "Open Water No. 24."