The Frey Foundation is underwriting grants to artists with exception projects. Here's how much, how many and for how long.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – ArtPrize 2014 has 50,000 brand-new reasons for artists to come to Grand Rapids for the sixth annual exhibition and competition.
ArtPrize on Wednesday, April 23, announced a series of Artist Seed Grants to underwrite artists bringing work to West Michigan for the $560,000 contest. A total of 25 grants for $2,000 each, totaling $50,000, will be awarded to help fund ambitious and challenging entries in ArtPrize 2014.
"They're projects that could cost more than $2,000, but it's seed money to get started," said Kevin Buist, director of exhibitions for ArtPrize.
The Frey Foundation has pledged a $150,000 commitment over three years to launch the grant program.
"For 25 people a year, it'll mean the difference between the dream and the reality of being in ArtPrize," said David Frey, a trustee of the Frey Foundation, at Wednesday evening's announcement at the ArtPrize Hub.
Related: ArtPrize 2014 shifts prize money from popular to juried vote, adds categories to public vote
The deadline to apply is May 18. Artists must first be registered as artists in ArtPrize 2014 before seeking the assistance.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need, provide a draft budget and project timeline and demonstrate how their project is exceptional.
No additional application fee will be required beyond the normal artist registration fee of $50 for an individual and $100 for a collaborative team.
Go online to ArtPrize's website for additional information.
The 25 recipients of the grants will be selected by the ArtPrize Arts Advisory Council, a panel of advisers made up of artists, critics and curators, both local and national.
The AAAC for ArtPrize 2014 includes:
Paul Amenta, curator of SiTE:LAB, Grand Rapids
Joseph Becherer, Chief Curator and Vice President, Horticulture and Sculpture Collections and Exhibitions at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
Nicole Caruth, writer, curator, editor of Art21 Magazine, New York
Lisa Freiman, Director of Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
Dana Friis-Hansen, Director and CEO of Grand Rapids Art Museum
Reed Kroloff, architect and Director of the Cranbrook Academy of Art and Art Museum
Scott Stulen, Curator of Audience Experiences and Performance at Indianapolis Museum of Art
AAAC members who are affiliated with ArtPrize venues will abstain from evaluating artists under consideration or already committed to participating in ArtPrize at their respective venues.
Receiving the grant is contingent on the artist securing a venue for ArtPrize 2014, which will be held Sept. 24 through Oct. 12. Those who secure a venue will receive payment shortly after the close of the connections period on June 19.
Jeffrey Kaczmarczyk covers arts and entertainment for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at jkaczmarczyk@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.