PRESS RELEASE — ArtPrize announced the official events for Project 1: Crossed Lines. Each Saturday in September and the last week in October will feature a different program of free and open to the public events that will activate the artists' works in an unforgettable way. Many other exhibitions, community events and performances will be happening throughout the run of the exhibition. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with community members and organizations across the city to build out a spectacular set of events throughout September. These free Saturday events will give participants of all ages an opportunity to experience Project 1 art installations and the city in new and exciting ways.” — Jori Bennett, executive director. ArtPrize has also partnered with community partners to provide an even richer experience at each of the Saturday events. All Art Works is putting on an exhibition to provide connections between artists and art buyers. The WestSide StreetFair will be happening on Saturday, September 14th that coincides with the run of Project 1. The Grand Rapids African American Art and Music Festival will also be happening on Saturday, September 21 in Martin Luther King Park.  “The Grand Rapids African American Art and Music Festival is thrilled to partner with ArtPrize again,” said Lisa Knight, Festival board chair and director of the Centers for Innovation, Health, Education, Youth and Community Engagement, at the Urban League of West Michigan. “This will be the first time the Festival is held in Martin Luther King Jr. Park and the Project 1 installations there will provide exciting programming opportunities.”

Saturday, September 7, presented by DTE Foundation Join ArtPrize and the City of Grand Rapids for a day of one-of-a-kind performances and events. Begin at Rosa Parks Circle at Noon to kick off the inaugural Project 1 exhibition with a headlining performance from BANDALOOP. From 2-5 pm enjoy the Martin Luther King Jr Park community kick-off with headlining performance by Jordan Hamilton.  While downtown stop in to see the All Art Works Show: Great Art at Great Prices at 37 Ottawa Ave NW from 10 to 6 pm. 200 artists of every career level are curated next to work by world-famous artists. The show is free and open to the public and all artwork is for sale and priced for new and experienced buyers. The show runs from September 6 through 10. Evening programming includes an artist panel hosted at Critical Infrastructure at the Tanglefoot site. After the talk, the Disability Drag Show, presented by DisArt, be taking place at a venue to be announced.

Saturday, September 14, presented by Meijer Start the second weekend of Project 1 at the WestSide StreetFair on Broadway and Bridge from 11 am to 6 pm. Enjoy live music, art and educational activities for the whole family. Community partners John Ball Zoo, Experience Live Art, Artists Creating Together, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Comedy Project, Gilda’s Club and more will be there. Be sure to check out Meijer's Grand Taste Truck sited at Rosa Parks Circle, which will be giving food and household items out. They will also be providing art activities happening from 11 am - 3 pm.  Then don’t miss an unforgettable evening of light, sound and community at this one-night-only performance at Blue Bridge Amplified, presented by Founder’s Brewing Company. Electronic beat-maker and headliner, Dan Deacon, and an array of local artists and musicians will take over Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s Voice Bridge, activating the sound system and 400+ lights that will traverse Grand Rapids’ iconic Blue Bridge from 8-11 pm.

Saturday, September 21, presented by Wolverine Worldwide Explore the immersive artworks on view as part of Project 1 from the unique perspective of your bike seat. Pedal Project 1 is a family-friendly guided bike tour for all ages and levels featuring stops at each site location (Downtown, MLK Park, and Tanglefoot). Start at Rosa Parks Circle at 8:30 am to check-in and prepare for the bike ride departing at 10 am. The tour will be led by Jason Hall from RiDetroit and Johannah Jelks from She Rides Her Own Way. Event registration is required by visiting project.artprize.org/pedal-project-1/ Additionally, the Grand Rapids African American Music Festival will be taking place from 9 am until 11 pm. The festival features the contributions of African-Americans and will immerse the community in art, music, dance and food reflecting the diversity of the African American Community in Grand Rapids and West Michigan. Performances will be taking place all day with headlining act, Raheem Devaughn.  Head back downtown to DeVos Place to see Shades of Blackness an exhibition featuring African American artists from across the United States. The exhibition runs from September 6 until October 4.

Saturday, September 28, presented by DisArt and SiTE:LAB For the final Saturday in September join DisArt and its collaborators as they present Voices an immersive, multimedia project displayed and interacted with throughout the Tanglefoot site. Designed as both an aesthetic and archiving experience, Voices will gather and visualize stories of alienation and belonging from Disabled community members as well as visitors to the site. The event runs from noon to 10 pm and all are encouraged to attend and participate.  Saturday, October 26 Join us at Studio Park to celebrate the final weekend of Project 1. The evening will kick-off with a press conference where several exciting announcements will be made for ArtPrize2020. The evening will unfold to feature live music in the Studio Park Listening Room.

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As of publication date, underwriting partners for Project 1 include DTE Foundation, Herman Miller Cares, Meijer, PNC Bank, X-Rite and Pantone. Major sponsors include Amway, Consumers Energy, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Haworth, ITC—Your Energy Superhighway, LIFEWTR, Switch, West Michigan Honda Dealers and Wolverine Worldwide. Honda is the Official Vehicle. LIFEWTR is the Official Water. WOOD TV8 is the Official Broadcast Media Partner. Rehmann is the Official Technology Partner.  Major supporting foundations include CDV5 Foundation, Peter C. & Emajean Cook Foundation, The Dick & Betsy DeVos Family Foundation, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, Douglas and Maria DeVos Foundation, The Edgar & Elsa Prince Foundation, Efroymson Family Fund and Frey Foundation.

ArtPrize announced the official events for Project 1: Crossed Lines. Each Saturday in September and the last week in October will feature a different program of free and open to the public events that will activate the artists' works in an unforgettable way.