ArtPrize Kicks Off with Parties

When ArtPrize kicks off this week, so does the first of five days of Neighborhood Parties.

Clear Channel Radio has teamed-up with ArtPrize to sponsor these events are in the Westside, Hillside, Center City, Heartside and Monroe/Belknap neighborhoods around Grand Rapids, designed to draw attention to the neighborhoods and the art on display in them.

Nadia Skidmore, Artprize Event Producer, says the parties offer more than just getting to know bits and pieces of Grand Rapids.

"Really, the intent is that you'll come to a party on your way from a venue or an exhibition center, or you'll come on the way to an exhibition center or a venue," said Skidmore.

Skidmore says there's something for everyone at each party.

"The Westside Neighborhood Party is a chance for a moonlight movie," said Skidmore. "The Hillside Neighborhood Party is a beer-tasting event and a spotlight on the theatre community."

All the parties are free to attend.

"It's a chance to explore the communities," said Skidmore. "It is so often we can live here in Grand Rapids and not know what the hidden treasures are."

Below are descriptions, dates and times of the neighborhood parties.

Westside Neighborhood Party
Thursday, Sept. 23
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Corner of Seward Ave. and 5th St.

Westside residents and ArtPrize fans are invited to gather together for a night at the movies in a nontraditional way. Take your chair and blanket and escape to mid-1950s Manhattan for a special outdoor screening of West Side Story. The pop and popcorn are on the house. The event is brought to you by Celebration! Cinema.

Hillside Neighborhood Party
Friday, Sept. 24
Time 5-7 p.m.
Location: Gay Ave. between Washington and Fulton

This neighborhood street party will spotlight the talent of Grand Rapids' theater district and a beer-tasting happy hour with some of Michigan's best-loved brews. This event is brought to you by Founders Brewing Company.

Center City Neighborhood Party
Saturday, Sept. 25
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Rosa Parks Circle - Corner of Monroe Ave, and Monroe Center

Surfer Blood, an indie-rock band from West Palm Beach, Fla. released its debut album in early 2010 to favorable reviews. Event details can change. Please check here for current event details. The concert is brought to you by beermaker Stella Artois.

Heartside Neighborhood Party
Sunday, Sept. 26
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Location: Corner of Wealthy and Sheldon

On this first Sunday of ArtPrize this is an event for families and people of all ages. Canvases will be on-site for families, friends and individuals to paint in a spirit of community, family and home. This event is brought to you by Bethany Christian Services.

Monroe North/Belknap Neighborhood Party
Monday, Sept. 27
Time: 8-10 p.m.
Location: Cambridge House, 600 Monroe Ave NW

Artists and the public are invited to square off in a competition of Pictionary while enjoying snacks and draft specials. Come on over after an evening of enjoying the venues in the Monroe North/Belknap area. This event is brought to you by Cambridge House.

What is ArtPrize?

A radically open art competition, giving away the world's largest art prize. Part arts festival, part social experiment - this international art contest is decided solely on a public vote.

ArtPrize invites artists of all kinds from around the world to participate in an unprecedented competition that will award nearly one-half million dollars to prize winners, including $250,000 to the artist who receives the most public votes.

2010 in brief

Grand Rapids, MI USA

September 22 - October 10

• $449,000 prize ($250,000 to 1st place)
• Top 10 entries receive a prize
• Artists can submit one entry
• Property in downtown Grand Rapids can be a venue
• Venues choose the artists they exhibit
• Anyone attending the event can vote
• Winner is determined by public vote

Voting

The audience votes—yes, the reference to American Idol has come up—and the artist with the most votes takes the $250,000 ArtPrize®. Imagine standing in front of a work of art and using your cell phone to text in a vote. What are the implications?

Come and see.

Register to vote (September 22 - October 6) Anyone 16 years of age or older who registers in person at the ArtPrize event can vote. You cannot vote without registering at the event. There is no charge for voter registration.

How to register

• Attendees will be required to present a valid government issued ID in person at a registration station
• ID can be drivers license, other state ID or passport
• Pre-register online and save time activating your voter status at the event
• There will be voter registration stations throughout the city September 22 - October 10

Rules

Week 1 Voting - All Artists

• Voting begins September 22, 2010
• Vote up or down on each artist
• You cannot vote more than once for the same work
• Live results can be viewed online

Week 2 Voting - Top 10, ONE vote

• Voting begins after announcement of the Top 10
• You have only ONE vote during Week 2
• You may only vote among the Top 10
• You may change your vote until voting ends
• Results are concealed during Week 2

Two Weeks, Two Votes

ArtPrize® has two separate weeks of voting

Week 1 - All Artists
Voters can vote up or vote down on any artist (only one vote per artist)

Week 2 - The Top 10
Voters have ONE vote (no down votes) to cast for one of the Top 10.