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ArtPrize Executive Director to serve as Keynote Speaker
“Nothing in the world resembles ArtPrize. From its social media ethos to its mashup of ‘American Idol’-style populism and art world sophistication, ArtPrize has created its own universe of possibilities. It breaks down art world hierarchies, letting the public pick winners and allowing everyone who can find a venue to exhibit to show their work.” –The Detroit Free Press
JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville will have the opportunity to learn first-hand how a small Midwestern city attracted more than 200,000 visitors and captured the world’s attention by placing the arts at center stage. Bill Holsinger-Robinson, executive director of ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will present two talks to the public April 11 and 12. Both events are presented by the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.
ArtPrize was launched as an artistic “social experiment” in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2009. The idea was to invigorate its downtown through an unprecedented artistic endeavor featuring nearly half a million dollars in cash prizes, artists from around the world, and numerous related events. The numbers from ArtPrize 2010 tell an astonishing story – 1,713 artists from 44 states and 21 countries, 192 venues, $449,000 in cash prizes, more than 465,000 votes cast, more than 200,000 visitors to Grand Rapids, with more than 50% coming from out of town. Winners were selected through a public vote, with people required to register in person in order to vote.Holsinger-Robinson is president of Pomegranate Studios, a business incubator focusing on web-enabled businesses and social entrepreneurship. Pomegranate’s projects include ArtPrize, Momentum and 5×5 Night. Previously, he served as COO for Spout.com and head of e-business strategy for Herman Miller, Inc.
Holsinger-Robinson will serve as the keynote speaker at the 35th Annual Arts Awards Tuesday, April 12 at noon on the stage of the Moran Theater at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets for the luncheon are $55. For tickets please visit www.culturalcouncil.org. The Arts Awards are presented by the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville to recognize extraordinary contributions in several categories including Individual, Small Business, Corporate and Educator. The event is sponsored by Regions Bank.
The Cultural Council will also present Bill Holsinger-Robinson at 5 p.m., April 11 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville. This event is free and open to the public. Reserve a seat by calling the Cultural Council at (904)358-3600.