DeVos Place proudly celebrates 20 years as West Michigan’s premier convention center dedicated to cultivating art within the community. As Grand Rapids prepares for the 15th year of ArtPrize, DeVos Place reminisces on the impact the venue has made in the arts and culture space as a pivotal partner to the internationally renowned art festival.
Since ArtPrize’s founding in 2009, DeVos Place has served as one of the competition’s largest and most dynamic venues, showcasing a range of contemporary art installations from around the globe. The convention center’s spacious concourses, walkways, lobbies, and riverfront settings have allowed for the display of large-scale works, immersive installations, and experimental pieces that push the boundaries of public art.
“DeVos Place is more than a convention center — it’s a gathering space where art, culture, and community can come together,” said Eddie Tadlock, Assistant General Manager of DeVos Place and lead curator of ArtPrize for the venue. “As we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of DeVos Place and head into the 15th year as an ArtPrize partner, we’re proud to continue providing a platform that inspires creativity and connects people through the power of art.”
Over the years, DeVos Place has hosted hundreds of ArtPrize entries, including memorable installations such as the 2011 Public Vote Grand Prize Winner, 'Crucifixion' by Mia Tavonatti; the 2018 Public & Juried 2 Dimensional winner, ‘The String Project’ by Chelsea Nix and Mariano Cortez; 2021 winner of the Artist to Artist award, ‘Caviness - Creation, Destruction, Reflection’ by Brad and Bryan Caviness; 2024’s ‘Tut’s Tumb’ by Bruce Gorsline and more. Additional winning ArtPrize pieces that were on display at DeVos Place include:
- 2013: 9th Place ‘Taking Flight’ by Michael Gard
- 2017: Independent Awards Veteran’s Public Vote ‘Crowns of Courage’ by Steve Stone, Amanda Gilbert and Dave Burgess
- 2018: Public & Juried 2D ‘The String Project’ by Chelsea Nix and Mariano Cortez
- 2021: Juried Awards 3D ‘Soaked’ by Holly Ross
- 2021: Independent Awards Artista Latino ‘Guardians of Sacred Space’ by Florencia Clement de Grandprey
- 2022: Public Vote Artist to Artist Award ‘Caviness - Creation, Destruction, Reflection’ by Brad and Bryan Caviness
- 2022: Visitor Favorite 2D winner ‘In My Eyes’ by Florencia Clement de Grandprey
- 2023: Juried 2D Honorable Mention ‘Menage’ by Roger Bruinekool
- 2024: Public Vote 2D ‘The Prophets’ by Robert VanderZee
- 2024: Public Vote 3D ‘Tut’s Tumb’ by Burce Gorsline
- 2024: Public Vote Time Based ‘My Poem Your Topic’ by Endlesswill
- 2024: Public Vote New Media ‘Too Much Information’ by Bruce Holwerda
With its central location, DeVos Place has become a natural hub for the annual fall event, drawing visitors through the venue and into nearby businesses, hotels, and restaurants. ArtPrize generates more than $33 million for the local economy each year, and DeVos Place plays a key role in welcoming thousands of guests while showcasing artists and their exhibitions.
Beyond the economic impact, ArtPrize has deepened DeVos Place’s commitment to accessibility, arts and cultural education and appreciation, and community engagement. Tours, presentations, and interactive exhibits have helped foster a culture of curiosity and creativity that resonates long after the event ends each year. In addition to being a pivotal partner to ArtPrize, DeVos Place has placed an importance on establishing a permanent art collection that is on display throughout the venue on a daily basis.
As DeVos Place looks back on twenty years of operation and ahead to the next chapter of ArtPrize, the venue remains committed to nurturing the arts, supporting local and international creators, and celebrating the cultural heartbeat of Grand Rapids. Join us September 18 through October 4 for the 15
th year of ArtPrize and explore the art on display at DeVos Place and throughout Grand Rapids.
About Legends Global: Van Andel Arena,
DeVos Place,
DeVos Performance Hall,
Acrisure Amphitheater and Amway Stadium are managed by Legends Global, the world’s leading premium live experiences company.
Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands. We deliver a fully integrated solution of premium services, including feasibility & consulting, owner’s rep, sales, partnerships, venue management, hospitality, merchandise, and content & booking. Through our white-label approach, we keep our partners front and center while leveraging the power of our global network: over 450 venues, 20,000 events, and 165 million guests annually. To learn more, visit us at www.LegendsGlobal.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
####