<b></b>ArtPrize 2025 has officially wrapped, leaving a lasting impression throughout downtown Grand Rapids. <br /><b>In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes back Catlin Whitington, Executive Director of ArtPrize</b>, to reflect on the success of this year’s international art competition and its evolving role in our community.<br /><br /><b>Inside This Episode, we discuss:</b><br />Celebrating the Winners: We discuss the $100,000 Grand Prize winner who captivated both the public voters and the juried art judges.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.artprize.org/2025-winners" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>Public Vote Winner: Mark Lewanski’s stunning installation, <i>Arras.</i></b></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.artprize.org/2025-winners" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>Juried Award Winner: <i>Scraps</i>,</b></a> an evocative textile installation by the artistic duo Second Vibess (Camille Steverson and Kaitlynn Fitzpatrick).<br /><br /><b>The Evolution of ArtPrize:</b> Catlin shares how the event has matured, becoming a more decentralized, global stage for art, and still maintaining the accessibility factor for artists from all walks of life.<br /><br /><b>The crowds are back: </b>ArtPrize 2025 saw crowds that were more in line with the pre-COVID numbers that the event had drawn before.<br /><b> </b><br /><b>Digital Engagement: </b>A look at how the public interacted with the art this year through QR codes and the impact of digital voting on the visitor experience.<br /><br /><b>Economic &amp; Cultural Impact: </b>Beyond the galleries and venues, we explore what ArtPrize means for West Michigan’s economy and how it continues to shape Grand Rapids' identity on a global scale. Catlin shared that the economic impact of ArtPrize for 2025 exceeded $80 million.<br /><br /><b>ArtPrize Runs On Donor Support: </b>donations keep this world-class event free and accessible to all. Donations also help provide $200,000 in grants to artists, as well as access for thousands of Michigan students experiencing ArtPrize this year. <a href="https://www.artprize.org/donate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>Make a secure donation to ArtPrize here.</b></a><br /><br /><br />ArtPrize 2026 planning is underway. The next event is September 17 through October 3, 2026.<br /><b><br />More Online: <a href="https://www.artprize.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ArtPrize</a></b><br /><br />