Changes on tap for ArtPrize 2012

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - ArtPrize organizers Tuesday morning announced some changes to next year's competition.

24 Hour News 8 learned the event has a similar setup to years past. It will run for two-and-a-half weeks -- Sept. 19 to Oct. 7.

Founder Rick DeVos said the first round of voting will be longer, lasting 11 days instead of one week. This will allow more time to get down to the 10 finalists.

The top prize for ArtPrize 2011 will be $200,000, instead of the $250,000 that was awarded last year. The second-place winner will receive $75,000, down from $100,000; third place will get $50,000; those who finish fourth through 10th will receive $5,000.

DeVos said lowering the public vote money will help the juried awards. He said there will be a juried top prize of $100,000 for next year, and other juried awards will be $20,000.

DeVos said changing the prize money doesn't diminish the public vote, but instead bridges the art world and visitors.

The Top 25 for each neighborhood will be dropped for next year's event. The overall Top 25 will return, but it starts after the first weekend.

ArtPrize Executive Director Catherine Creamer said she hopes for financial sustainability by next year. She said they are looking for more grants next year.

ArtPrize 2012 won't see some familiar faces. Last year's winner, Mia Tavonatti, and the rest of the Top 10 won't be allowed back for one year. Organizers said that is to allow a new group of artists to rise to the top.

Artist and venue registration information will be announced at a later time.

Since this year's competition ended, organizers have been dissecting the opinions of artists, venues, and visitors alike. Spokesperson Brian Burch said since there are three years of feedback, all the changes will happen because organizers are seeing certain trends.