U.P. Artists to be represented at ArtPrize 2018

Internationally known event to include press conference at Finlandia University

Artists from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan will again have their art displayed at the world’s largest arts competition – ArtPrize 10, which is being hosted September 19 through October 7, 2018 in Grand Rapids. The Mackinac Arts Council and the Bonifas Arts Center are gearing up for the third year of facilitating a group of U.P. artists to be featured in a primary location at the annual ArtPrize competition.

To announce the involvement of U.P. artists, the Mackinac Arts Council, Bonifas Arts Center, U.P. Travel and Recreation, and Finlandia University are coming together to host a series of press conferences, including one at Finlandia University on Friday, February 16 at 11a.m. in the Jutila Center’s Room 325 with Dean of FinnU’s International School of Art & Design, Denise Vandeville. Those from the media interested in addenting the press conference should e-mail kate@bonifasarts.org.

About ArtPrize

ArtPrize Nine from ArtPrize on Vimeo.

ArtPrize is an open international art competition decided by public vote and expert jury that takes place each fall in a number of venues throughout Grand Rapids. Two $200,000 grand prizes and eight category awards – more than $500,000 – is awarded, half-decided by public vote and half decided by a jury of art experts. Art entries from all over the world covers three square miles of downtown Grand Rapids – and it’s all free and open to the public. The art will be viewed by approximately 400,000 visitors, giving the message that the U.P. is a unique arts and culture destination.

Currently, the Mackinac Arts Council and the Bonifas are booking venues on Mackinac Island and in Grand Rapids where U.P. artists can be presented together and represent the Upper Peninsula as a distinct arts and culture district. Viewers are encouraged to consider the Upper Peninsula as a must-see tourist destination. “We will be encouraging some of our strongest, most creative artists to provide work and help us showcase the contemporary artwork being created here in this rural area,” Bonifas Regional Projects and Gallery Director Pasqua Warstler noted. “The venue will be announced as soon as it is confirmed. We are also working now to help organize artists support  regarding transportation, promotions and marketing.”

Artists are encouraged to follow the ArtPrize website – artprize.org – for the most current information and be prepared to enter their artwork. U.P. artists are asked to copy the Bonifas at bonifasarts.org when they submit to the competition. ArtPrize registration is from April through early June. According to Warstler, anyone over age 18 can submit, and any space within the ArtPrize district can be a venue. ArtPrize will offer artists opportunities including: artists’ development programs, seed grants, and a Go-Fund-Me program.