You can't discuss contemporary arts in Grand Rapids without discussing the countless women who've driven the city's cultural progress.
That's true for the past, when visionary Nancy Mulnix Tweddale brought Alexander Calder's iconic La Grande Vitesse to downtown. And it's true today of the accomplished women producing another GR icon: ArtPrize.
The annual event returns September 13–28, 2024. Orchestrating something so complex requires a skilled and experienced team. Women make up the majority of employees at ArtPrize, and the leadership largely consists of women across a variety of departments.
"I've had the privilege of watching this entrepreneurial vision morph into one of the most grandiose public spectacles," said Creative Director Amy Day, who's spent eight years shaping the visual identity of the event and its communications.
Day is among the longest-tenured members of the team, along with JoLee Kirkikis, an alum of Kendall College of Art and Design, who serves as the event's Exhibitions Director, a position that makes her the point person for all the artists and venues.
"JoLee makes sure we retain what ArtPrize is and what it should become," Project Manager Tiffany Falcon-Ewigleben says of her colleague. As for herself, she adds, "I very intentionally chose to apply and seek to work with ArtPrize."
Falcon-Ewigleben sees her role as closely listening to the needs of the various stakeholders, understanding their various perspectives, and synthesizing them into something manageable and successful. Given all of ArtPrize's moving parts, that's no small feat.
Pictured, Top Row, L to R: Destani Shadrick; Amy Day; Chandra Ward.
Pictured, Bottom Row, L to R: Theresa Anderson; JoLee Kirkikis; Tiffany Falcon-Ewigleben.
Nor is building a solid financial foundation, securing success for years to come. As a nonprofit, ArtPrize fundraises year-round to cover its entire operating budget, including the over $600,000 awarded in prizes and grants.
That's where Development Director Destani Shadrick comes in. Her background in both fine art and public administration—along with her experience building community relationships— ensures necessary resources are there to produce ArtPrize. Chandra Ward also maintains smooth operations of the event in her role as Director of Finance and Business Affairs. "I manage the financial stability of the organization," Ward says. "Because none of this can happen otherwise."
Ward's "this" refers to the visual grandeur for which ArtPrize is known. And the new Production and Operations Director, Theresa Anderson, wants to make more of it. She's worked around the world in film, theater, and Cirque du Soleil, explaining: "I want to elevate ArtPrize for all, with well-rounded community events accessible to all the people who live here. And I want to bring amazing things here that they've never seen before."
Want to witness amazing things you've never seen before? Start with the Opening Celebration in downtown Grand Rapids on Friday, September 13, 2024. Then, learn more about this year's event at artprize.org.
Courtesy of ArtPrize.
Photo Courtesy of ArtPrize.
