Rapid wristband rides set for ArtPrize

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - When ArtPrize begins on Sept. 19, Grand Rapids will be overtaken by crowds and critics. But getting downtown will be easier this year.

ArtPrize officials and The Rapid teamed up to offer park-and-ride trips from various Meijer store locations. For $5, you'll get two wristbands that will let you ride the ArtBus and The Rapid as many times as you want during ArtPrize.

Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell will officially announce the partnership Thursday afternoon.

The wristbands will be available at nine different Meijer stores around town, as well as the ArtPrize Hub at 41 Sheldon Boulevard, or any of the exhibition sites.

-- How to get around town during ArtPrize

-- Meijer Park & Ride locations

ArtPrize runs through Oct. 7 and is the world's largest art competition. More than 1,500 artists have entered to display their entries at 162 venues across 3 square miles. Participating artists hail from 56 countries and 45 states.

Total prize money is $560,000, with $320,000 going to the first-place winner. Some winners will be picked by public voting, and other prizes will be juried awards.

The Top 10 winners will receive cash prizes, with the first-place winner taking home $200,000. The public votes for the winners using mobile devices and the Internet.