CNN iReport

Artprize, the world's largest Art Prize competition, kicks off in five short days.  Hosted in Grand Rapids, MI, Artprize is the first competition of it's kind.  Rick DeVos, creator and native to Grand Rapids wanted to create an art event on a massive scale and that he did.  Already, artists have swarmed to the area to compete for the $250,000.00 grand prize.  Professional artists and amateurs are on the same playing field as it is the public, not a panel of experts that decides the winner.  Similar to reality show competitions, the people will decide through virtual means.  On September 23rd, the public is invited to travel downtown and register to vote, once registered it is anybodys game.  Votes will be cast on the web and through mobile devices.

While Grand Rapids, MI is probably not the first city chosen to visit by cultural arts enthusiasts, it may soon become just that.  Unknown to many people outside of the area, 10 years ago in October 1999, Leonardo DaVinci's Horse arrived in Grand Rapids.  It seems fitting that a decade later this small metropolis will hold the first of it's kind Art Show.

I encourage readers to visit www.artprize.org to view what artists plan to install and www.cityofgrandrapids.org to see what this charming city has to offer.

Photos Provided Courtesy of Eric Stoike www.ericstoike.com