GRAND RAPIDS, MI — ArtPrize is a no-go this year, but that doesn’t mean Grand Rapids will be without arts and cultural activities this fall.
Four community organizations — the city of Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., the Grand Rapids Chamber and Experience Grand Rapids — are teaming up for Bridge Grand Rapids, a month-long event that will feature music, art, cultural activities, food and more.
“We want to reactivate our community and reengage people,” said Evette Pittman, supervisor at the city of Grand Rapids’ Office of Special Events.
“I think that a lot of people are ready to come outside safely and just enjoy some music, enjoy some local eats, and just enjoy seeing their community.”
The event will run from Aug. 28 to Oct. 3.
It will feature a range of events, hosted by various community groups, throughout the month.
Details are still being finalized, but tentative plans call for music and art at Rosa Parks Circle, comedy and music performances at Studio Park, an art display at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, and more.
Events will be held in downtown and in various neighborhoods.
The idea behind the festival is to provide entertainment and activities for residents while providing a boost for businesses that have been hurt by the economic fallout caused the coronavirus pandemic.
ArtPrize, the biennial public art event that brings thousands to downtown Grand Rapids and provides a boost for restaurants and retailers, was scheduled to take place from Sept. 16 to Oct. 4 but was canceled due to the pandemic.
To date, organizers have raised $100,000 for the event — $50,000 from the city of Grand Rapids and $50,000 from Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI). DGRI is the organization hired by the city of Grand Rapids to operate and manage the Downtown Development Authority.
Pittman said organizers would like to raise a total of $249,000.
“There are other events and other organizations that we are sure would love to join in and come along,” Pittman said. “But unfortunately, do to COVID, they just don’t have the funding to do it.”
Experience Grand Rapids, Kent County’s convention and visitors marketing agency, will conduct the marketing for the event.
“While we are not able to proactively able to invite visitors into our town, into our city, we can promote our local businesses, which is the heartbeat of this community,” said Angela Nelson, Experience Grand Rapids’ vice president of multicultural business development.
Tim Kelly, DGRI’s president and CEO, echoed that sentiment. He said small businesses have struggled due to the coronavirus pandemic, and that the festival will help “drive some traffic and help support our downtown business environment.”
While Bridge Grand Rapids is taking place amid the coronavirus pandemic, at a time when health officials are urging residents to practice social distancing, organizers say they’re confident the event can be pulled off safely.
Pittman said all events will follow Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s latest executive order, which limits outdoor gatherings to 100 people or less and requires six feet of distance between attendees.
“I feel confident that the four entities, as well as the event planners, are all aware of the executive orders and the mitigating measures that need to take place and that we will all be responsible and do our part,” Pittman said.
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August 12, 2020 at 05:11AM
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Bridge Grand Rapids to bring music, art to city following ArtPrize cancellation - MLive.com
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