Doesn't seem too radical, except that lots of money can be "won." They are just using the time-tested Fringe Festival DIY and non-traditional venues approach, more common in British Commonwealth cities than the US of A. The negative funding on the front end ($50 fee to apply) and lack of production or promotion grants (even $1000 per project) may hamper the end-result diversity and quality.

There is great potential, however, for Midwest-based new genre public art operators, social engagement and intervention artists, internet and new media folks, and young and hungry MFA candidates on an austerity budget to do radical and kooky things in Grand Rapids. Just as they do with most of the world's Fringe Festivals. For subversive artists who want to play with front lawns and boutique shops and public spaces, this might be the late summer ticket!

And just think what ultra-subversive artists might do on the fringe, outside of the official ArtPrize boundary!

I think that this is another clear case of how technology has made a positive impact on the arts. This is a perfect example of how being connected whether through facebook, twitter or other means can expose people to different types of art they never would have seen before. Although some people make the case that technology waters down great pieces of art, this would surely be a case that would refute that.

I love the idea of bringing the public back to the arts as much as possible like Grand Rapids, MI is doing. I am from Dallas and there are a lot of chances to become involved in art down there but in smaller towns, people really have to work to get the whole public involved in the arts. This will be a great way for everyone in every aspect of the arts to get recognition, space, availability, leadership, and other resources and awards. I love this idea.

I think its cool that we can start looking to other areas of the country for ideas, inspiration and leadership in the arts. New York and Los Angeles are hubs for art, but it is encouraging to see a movement like this in such an unlikely place. Right now the arts are in a compromising place with the economy doing so poorly, but to know that there are movements out there to continue the appreciation art is exciting. It gets back to the issue of Lewis Hyde's "The Gift," they are wanting as many people as possible to enter, and the venue can be anywhere. The whole town will be transformed into a gallery, if you live within certain blocks you can donate your front lawn! ArtPrize is an ingenious idea, and I hope other places will try to put on similar events.

What a great way to get the whole city involved in promoting the arts. I think this is a great idea for smaller cities because I can imagine this festival taking over the whole city. I'd be interested to see what the people of Grand Rapids think of this idea. I love how they admit on their website that this is "an experiment. A fun experiment. Come and see." I wish I had enough money to perform such experiments.

LA and NYC better up their game...Cities like Austin, Boston, and Grand Rapids are the new "it" cities...No suprise here that Grand Rapids would steer something as innovative as ArtPrize. Keep your eyes on the largest city in Michigan- Grand Rapids!

I think this is just what we need! You always hear about movie and music awards but what if your specialty isn't in that category? This is a great way for other artist to be recognized and I think it's wonderful that Grand Rapids is taking the lead with this idea!

"Grand Rapids, MI, may not be New York or Los Angeles, but it's attempting to top both through its new ArtPrize competition."

So why is this sentence the lead? Why is it necessary to invoke NY and LA in order to tell this story? Why does the myth need to be repeated so frequently?