ArtPrize ‘brilliant,’ state tourism official says
Elizabeth Slowik

Lorenz

The word on ArtPrize from Michigan’s top tourism guru: brilliant, David M. Lorenz, manager of pubic and industry relations at Travel Michigan, told local advertising organization AAF West Michigan on Wednesday.

Lorenz said he recently had the opportunity to discuss ArtPrize, the art and social media phenomenon currently under way in Grand Rapids, with State Travel Director George Zimmermann.

“I can simply tell you what George said is ‘Pure brilliance,’” Lorenz said. “It is spectacular. It will help draw people here, not only for now, but for a long time. And it will help to define the city as something more than a great furniture capital.”

Travel Michigan, the arm of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. that is charged with supporting the tourism industry, is interested in helping to spread the message about ArtPrize, which is being funded by the Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation for three years, he said.

Lorenz said ArtPrize is a symbol of the resilience of Michigan residents.

“It’s the culture and spirit of the people here who will not accept defeat and will not accept failure. They’re always going to find a better way to do something, and that’s a great example of what this community is all about,” he said.

“It helps us tremendously in changing the perception of the state of Michigan. So it’s a great thing.”