The announcement of a worldwide arts competition that plans to award a first prize of $250,000 — and, in the process, shine a spotlight on city of Grand Rapids, Mich. — has shaken Diana R. Sieger, president of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, out of her wariness and skepticism, she reports on her blog.

On April 23, Rick DeVos announced that the Dick and Betsy DeVos Foundation, in Grand Rapids, will sponsor a contest called ArtPrize. Open to artists around the world, the contest will award nearly $500,000 in prizes, including $250,000 to a first prize winner, with the selections being determined by a public vote, in the vein of the popular television contest American Idol.

“The ArtPrize will help bring attention to our area to inspire innovation,” writes Ms. Sieger, who has often alluded on her blog to the difficult state of the Michigan economy. She adds, “We are building a dream and all that is needed is an open mind and a chance to let that dream unfold. Skepticism is an important filter at times. However in this case I think the ArtPrize is worth a shot and let’s see where it lands.”

The contest will accept entries until July 31, and will announce the winners on October 8.