ArtPrize 2021 - What will captivate our imaginations this year?

It’s back! Today ArtPrize returned to Grand Rapids, MI, turning the city into a giant art gallery for the first time since 2018. The return of the popular festival that has brought millions into downtown Grand Rapids comes after a year delay due to COVID-19 after changing to a biannual schedule following the 2018 festival.

Though the festival feels familiar to visitors who have faithfully flocked downtown to enjoy the art since ArtPrize's 2009 inception—representing a slow return to pre-pandemic life—much has changed in the world in the interim.

All of us have been touched by the pandemic. For some this has meant lost loved ones, missed milestones such as proms and graduations, and businesses that have closed their doors for the final time. And yet, in this time of hardship we have seen resilience and creativity flourish. We have been able to slow down, reevaluate priorities and spend time with those who are closest to us. Conversations around social justice have been started on a broad scale, opening wounds as old as our nation for some, opening the eyes of others.

Grand Rapids itself has changed over the last three years as well. New buildings have changed the skyline. Spin electric scooters zip down sidewalks. Street lanes have been partitioned off to accommodate outdoor dining.

Art has the ability to capture ideas too complex for words; to invoke deep feelings and emotions; to communicate a piece of the artist’s soul with the public. Art defines and reflects what is important to a society.

What will captivate our imaginations this year?