GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — ArtPrize could soon have a partnership with one or two well known festivals out west, according to ArtPrize Creative Director Todd Herring. Herring says ArtPrize officials have had dialogue with organizers from both Burning Man and Coachella on forming some form of partnership.

Burning Man started in Nevada's desert in the 1980s and is a successful event that includes art and self-expression, and Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival started in the California desert in the late 1990s.

"If we're not learning from our peers, we're missing out," Herring said, adding, "We have an objective to always strengthen and expand the network of artists that will ultimately show up in Grand Rapids. We consider them peers, and we consider them our mentors."

Herring says what that partnership would entail is still being kicked around, but could include a Grand Rapids presence in Nevada and California or a reciprocating presence from those two events in Grand Rapids.

Officials from Burning Man visited Grand Rapids this fall and, according to Herring, they were part of a panel together.

Herring said any formal agreement could be made before ArtPrize hold its annual announcements in March about what's new for the upcoming year.

"From our side, this is one of the most exciting times of the year, where we're putting those feelers out. There's nothing written yet, but I'm excited for what these relationships might bear in the future," Herring said.