Experience Grand Rapids launched the Discover Tourism Grant Program (DTGP) in summer 2024 to help local residents and organizations create lively, inviting spaces where people want to spend time. We refer to this as “placemaking” – a participatory process that makes a destination more attractive and memorable for visitors while also improving the quality of life for residents. Effective placemaking can significantly boost tourism and enhance community pride.
Applications for the first round of grants were submitted in July and August, and we selected the 12 projects below for their impact and inclusivity. We were very pleased with the imagination and diversity of the applications we received, and we look forward to more great ideas in the next round of Discover Tourism Grants. The second application cycle opens in March 2025 for projects to be implemented from May through October.
If you or someone you know has an idea for improving a local neighborhood or community space in a way that benefits residents and attracts tourists, please visit DiscoverTourismGR.com for grant details – and return to the page in March to submit an application.
Discover Tourism Grant Recipients
Here’s a brief look at the diverse, inspirational and fun projects that helped make Grand Rapids a better place in the past few months. We hope they’ll inspire more outside-the-box thinking for the next go-round!
One of One Breakin’ Battle Vol. 2
On Saturday, September 21, Grand Rapids artist and entrepreneur Edwin Anderson hosted an electrifying break-dancing competition in downtown GR’s SoDiv neighborhood. Conceived to promote the dynamic dance style known as breakin' and stimulate the growth of hip-hop culture in the city, the competition successfully fostered excitement and provided a meaningful platform for young and aspiring breakers from Grand Rapids and nearby cities.
Creston Pride Festival
A collaborative effort by En Vivo Church, the Creston Neighborhood Association and Best in Creston, the September 8 Creston Pride Festival celebrated the local LGBTQ+ community with the "World's Smallest Pride Parade," Drag Storytime, a Kid’s Dance Party and entertainment from drag performers, spoken word artists and a DJ. Attendees enjoyed a bustling atmosphere with up to 40 vendor and information booths, delicious offerings from several food trucks, and Queer Artist Markets spread across two locations.
Hall Street Bakery Mural
Edwin Anderson painted a mural on the west exterior wall of Hall Street Bakery for his second Discover Tourism project. Titled We Gather at Dusk, the vibrant Impressionist-style paining depicts a cozy community gathering place much like the bakery itself, beckoning viewers to step inside for sustenance and conversation. The mural is a bright and beautiful complement to the largely residential neighborhood.
The new Mertens Hotel Mural at downtown’s Mertens Prime restaurant captures the hotel’s rich history – it was originally built in 1914 – alongside informative signage that offers visitors deeper insights into its past.
THE PLAYGROUNDgr hosted children and their families for break dancing, nature play, play therapy strategies, yoga, mindfulness, midbrain play, drumming and other fun experiences Sept. 21.
Art Bash for Creston (Sept. 25) featured live art, live music, and live and silent auctions to promote pay equity for artists and foster local economic development.
Community Painting Days (Oct. 7-9) invited neighbors of all ages to repaint sidewalks in the Creston Business District.
Harvest Fest (Oct. 12) at Belknap Community Garden celebrated fall with live music, guided garden tours, seasonal dishes and more.
The Baxter Holiday Bazaar (Nov. 23) at Wealthy Theatre showcased local artisan vendors, live music, food and family fun.
H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Eat) Gardens built new fencing and an expanded garden at Gladiola Elementary in Wyoming.
Wayfinding Map Clings were created by the West Grand Neighborhood Organization and placed in the windows of neighborhood businesses.
A Dramatic Playhouse Exhibit featuring a child-sized house was created by kids, for kids at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.