Venues FAQ
Whether you’re a first-time Venue Manager or a returning partner, this guide will help you navigate ArtPrize 2026. From venue requirements to artist coordination, event logistics, and visitor support, you’ll find all the key details here.
Key Dates
Venue Registration: March 2nd - June 11th (CLOSED)
Artist + Designer Registration: March 18th - June 11th (CLOSED)
Connections Begins: May 18th
Connections Closes: June 25th
ArtPrize 2026 Begins: September 17th
Venue Rules and Resources
Approximate 2026 ArtPrize Boundaries & Districts (see map below)
FAQs
What is ArtPrize?
ArtPrize is an international art competition and cultural event held annually in Grand Rapids, MI. Businesses, organizations, and public spaces open their doors to artworks from all over the world, creating a citywide gallery. Viewing is free and open to the public.
ArtPrize is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by corporate, foundation, governmental, and individual donations.
When is it?
ArtPrize 2026 runs from September 17 to October 3.
Why be an ArtPrize venue?
The benefit of being an ArtPrize venue is not only for economic gain. As a venue, you also become an integral part of the art community. Offering your space as a venue creates opportunities for artists to showcase their art, facilitate connections, and potentially sell their work or find commissions.
How much is it?
To participate as a venue, the registration fee is $175.
Where is it?
ArtPrize is located in Grand Rapids, MI. It covers an approximately 4.5 square mile area centered around downtown Grand Rapids (view boundary map above).
What hours must my venue be open during ArtPrize?
To host ArtPrize entries, the portion of your venue displaying artwork must be open and accessible to the public for voting during the following minimum hours throughout the event period:
Monday–Thursday: 5:00–8:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: Noon–8:00 PM
Sunday: Noon–6:00 PM
If an entry is clearly visible and viewable from outside your venue - such as a sculpture or installation on the exterior of your property, or artwork displayed in a street-facing window - your venue does not need to be physically open during these hours.
However, the artwork must still be easily viewable and voteable during official ArtPrize hours.
Are there grants available?
ArtPrize offers grants to venues. These grants are designed to help offset some of the costs associated with curating a dynamic venue and exhibiting exceptional artists. Visit the Grants Page to view details on eligibility and application requirements. (Venue grants for 2026 are still open!).
How do I find artists to host at my venue?
It all starts with registration for artists and venues each spring. Once registered, the matchmaking begins through a system called Connections (opening Monday, May 18th for 2026).
Connections is a tool within your venue dashboard for pairing artists and venues, and it works in both ways.
Registered artists browse available venues can request to connect with spaces they think fit their work. You can also take the lead. If you have a specific vision for your exhibition and find an entry you love, reach out to connect!
Here's how the process works:
Review requests from artists who want to exhibit at your location, and browse entries yourself to find work that fits your space.
Confirm or deny interest so artists know where they stand. If it's not a fit, please let them know promptly. We want every artist/entry to find a home!
Once mutual interest is confirmed - meaning you've accepted each other's connection request and have been in direct contact with the artist(s) via email, etc. - it's time to work out the specifics: installation timing, space logistics, who handles what, and anything else relevant to the exhibition.
Sign a Hosting Agreement with each artist you agree to host. This is a contract negotiated directly between you and the artist - ArtPrize provides a template (linked above and also available as a form link in your venue dashboard), but the terms are yours to work out together.
Once both parties have signed, you also must each confirm by checking the "Signed Hosting Agreement" box in the Connections dashboard for the connection to register in our system.
Optional: You can mark your venue full once you've confirmed all your connections, so you don't have to worry about additional requests you can't accommodate and so artists know you are not available to host any more entries.
Once the Connections period ends, no new artists can be added, so stay active and responsive.
ArtPrize plays no role in placing artists - the curation is entirely yours, and that's what makes each venue unique.
The exhibitions team is happy to offer suggestions and tips for curating an exceptional exhibit. For a full walkthrough of the process, review the Venue Handbook.
How do I get help?
Please email support@artprize.org with general questions.
Specific questions concerning exhibiting and participating, please email exhibitions@artprize.org.
Have technical questions about the artist/venue dashboard or the how the connections process works? Check out our 'Help & How-Tos' page.
Venue Newsletter
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