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Explore the Arts
Art Around the Corner
This walking tour will show you art around virtually every corner in...
ArtPrize 11 | Sep 16-Oct 4, 2020
Art from around the world pops up in every inch of downtown, and it’s all...
Art Museums
Grand Rapids is home to three top-notch art institutions.
Visual Arts
Outdoor art is inspired with sculptures, murals and architecture throughout...
Grand Rapids Murals
Outdoor walls of art, former ArtPrize entries, commissioned work - all make...
Art Galleries
Local artists ply their trade and sell their work in distinct creative hubs...
Live Music
Concerts, musicals, symphony, opera and festivals.
Performing Arts
Grand Rapids’ passion for creative expression extends to the stage.
Art Events
GR Symphony Presents Old National Bank Cirque de Noel
Dec 18 - Dec 19, 2019
Location: DeVos Performance Hall
JUMPSTART 2020
Mar 6 - Mar 8, 2020
Broadway Grand Rapids presents Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Mar 10 - Mar 15, 2020
Location: DeVos Performance Hall
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Apr 24 - May 3, 2020
Broadway Grand Rapids presents Escape to Margaritaville
May 26 - May 31, 2020
Location: DeVos Performance Hall
Ideas to Discover Art in Grand Rapids
Exhibitions to See with the Whole Family During the Holidays
The holiday season is the perfect time to round up the family and plan some fun activities around town. Grand Rapids has a variety of interesting activities that family members of all ages will enjoy.
An Insider’s Look at Experiencing an Art Class in Grand Rapids
Art is an integral part of Grand Rapids’ history. Today, our thriving art scene includes intimate galleries like LaFontsee Galleries, as well as bigger venues like the Grand Rapids Art Museum. We’re
Locally Owned & Operated LGBTQ+ Businesses to Check Out
Grand Rapids is home to many locally owned and operated LGBTQ+ businesses, and there are more than you might think. The city is becoming a destination to live and work for people of all ages and
Iconic Public Art Spots in Downtown Grand Rapids
The Vamonde app and website, contains content to help users experience the cities they visit like a local. Each city’s stories, written by local experts and influencers, include “must-see” spots and
Grand Rapids Is Bursting With Art This Fall
Locals know that fall is a beautiful time of year in West Michigan, with the trees flaunting their brilliant colors as we experience cooler temperatures. The season is also a popular time for locals
PROJECT 1 by ARTPRIZE® + Museums & Experiences
This fall, from September 7 – October 27, Grand Rapids welcomes a brand-new multi-site public art exhibition, Project 1: Crossed Lines , which comes from the minds behind the now biennial art
Your Itinerary for a Fall Kid-Friendly Weekend in GR
One of the many wonderful things about Grand Rapids is that when summer gives way to fall, you can truly feel and see it. As the seasons change, so do the events and activities the city has to offer.
Guide to PROJECT 1 September Events & Happenings
ArtPrize® changed the landscape of the art scene in Grand Rapids when it became the world’s largest open, independently organized international art competition in 2008. Each fall, artists and art
PROJECT 1 Locations: What You Need to Know
ArtPrize®, the world’s largest international art competition, has shifted to a biennial event to make way for a new series of citywide art commissions. The first series, dubbed Project 1: Crossed
Five Facts About Maya Lin, the Artist of Ecliptic
What do Grand Rapids and Washington D.C. have in common? They are both home to outdoor sculptural works by world-renowned artist Maya Lin. Lin was relatively unknown at the age of 21 when her design
Where to Find Vinyl Records in GR
Vinyl is back! In 2018, almost 10 million vinyl records were sold in the United States. With 2018’s double-digit sales growth, according to The Verge, the vinyl revival continues. Grand Rapids alone
What’s in Store for Festival of the Arts’ 50th Anniversary
A sure sign that summer has arrived in Grand Rapids is the annual three-day Festival of the Arts (commonly called Festival), which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The festivities kick off
Grand Rapids Summer Festival Hot List
Summer festivals in West Michigan are the perfect way to enjoy your favorite things or discover something new. From June through September, Grand Rapids offers many affordable, family-friendly
Here’s What You Need to Know About PROJECT 1
After 10 years of the annual art competition, ArtPrize® will now move to a biennial competition. This means the next ArtPrize competition will take place in Grand Rapids in 2020: September 16-October
7 Kid-Friendly Grand Rapids-Area Cultural Stops
Spring break and summer vacation are both great reasons to plan a family trip to a new city. With so many exciting possibilities, however, choosing which activities to do can become overwhelming. If
Artful Spring Break Ideas for the Whole Family
Spring break is the perfect time to find an art experience in Grand Rapids that will enrich your family’s lives, from paintings and sculptures to dance and music. Take a look at why this area is the
Broadway Grand Rapids Brings Big Productions to Local Stage
Did you know that you can attend world-class Broadway performances right here in Grand Rapids? Why travel to big cities such as New York City or Los Angeles to see top Broadway performers when
UICA Explores Stories of Race in New Exhibit
The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) continues their dedication to artist equity and showing diverse artists with their first new exhibit of 2019, Warm Water: New Works by Charles Edward
Grand Rapids Art Museum Exhibit Explores Sports Photography
Muhammad Ali towers victoriously over the unconscious body of Sonny Liston after a first round knockout on May 25, 1965. Serena Williams focusing intensely as she strains to connect her racket with a
Gift Shops at Local Attractions
The gift shops in Grand Rapids’ local attractions offer one-of-a-kind items perfect for unique gift giving all year round. If you’re on a tight schedule and don’t have time to tour local attractions
New Local Galleries Bring Together Aspiring & Professional Artists
Within the past two years, six galleries have opened in the Grand Rapids area. Each are finding new ways to support their missions and build appreciation for the arts. Learn more about them here:
Meet Grand Rapids Ballet’s New Artistic Director
There’s possibly no greater cultural tradition for the holidays than seeing The Nutcracker with a talented ballet company. Luckily, the Grand Rapids Ballet is Michigan’s only professional ballet
A Local Singer Takes Center Stage at Opera Grand Rapids
Opera Grand Rapids Artistic Director, Maestro James Meena, is bringing international opera stars to the local opera stage. Opera Grand Rapids attendees can experience big-stage talent, without the
ArtPrize and More Early Fall Festivals
ArtPrize10 will fill the streets of Grand Rapids from September 19 to October 7, 2018, but there are other incredible festivals that take place during the same time! From music, beer, and poetry
What’s In Store for ArtPrize 10
While most folks in West Michigan are gearing up for summer, a dedicated group of people have been working hard to prepare for ArtPrize 10, which will take place September 19 to October 7, 2018. After
Find your Perfect Summer Art Getaway in Grand Rapids
The weather isn’t the only thing to heat up during the summer. As the temperatures begin to increase, Grand Rapids’ art scene also heats up with a surge in art opportunities for locals and visitors
GR Art Scene Forges Relationships with Noted Artists
Mid-sized cities, such as Grand Rapids, are garnering the interest of important artists to make room for new “art playgrounds” throughout the nation. Fact: In March 2018, Art Newspaper listed Grand
Grand Rapids Film Festival Packs Content from Around the Globe into One Animated Weekend
Film is a powerful medium. It holds the potential to enchant viewers by bringing stories to life through dynamic visuals, engrossing sounds, imaginative sets, and thoughtfully-costumed actors. Grand
New Exhibit Features The Great Lakes at the Grand Rapids Art Museum
The Great Lakes are a marvel to almost every Michigander, but, there’s something dark in the water - at least that’s part of the story in the latest exhibit at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM).
Exhibitions to See with the Whole Family During the Holidays in 2017
The holidays certainly are the most wonderful time of the year, especially when it comes to planning an activity for the whole family! Grand Rapids has a variety of interesting activities that family
Let’s Get Cultured, Grand Rapids: Meet cultured.GR
It’s no secret that Grand Rapids is a pretty great place, whether you’re looking to buy a house, sample great microbrews, or explore the arts. A strong economy and relatively low costs of living have
Art Outdoor Project 2016: Artist John VanHouten
In June, five pieces of locally-inspired art were selected as winners from more than 20 submissions in this year’s Art Outdoor Project, held in partnership with the UICA. The Art Outdoor Project
New Shuttle Service for Hotel Guests for ArtPrize 2016
ArtPrize® Eight, the “radically open international art competition” returns to Grand Rapids September 21 – October 9, and continues to make art accessible to all. This year, Experience Grand Rapids
Art Outdoors Project 2016: Artist Bud Kibby
More than 20 artists submitted entries to this year’s Art Outdoor Project, held in partnership with the UICA. Five of those artists were subsequently selected to have their artwork featured on a
Art Outdoor Project 2016: Artist Ryan Crawley
The Art Outdoor Project, this year held in partnership with the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, encourages artists to submit work that represents Grand Rapids in a way that’s meaningful to
Art Outdoor Project 2016 Announces Winning Artists
Some say art is bigger than life and the five selected artists of the Experience Grand Rapids Art Outdoor Project might agree. The recently selected artists will have their work displayed on
Opera Grand Rapids and Kendall College of Art and Design Collaborate on The Student Prince
Opera, fashion, and beer-it’s a thing! At least in the upcoming Opera Grand Rapids production The Student Prince, with costume designs created by Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State
Watch: Video Series Featuring Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Grand Rapids is rich in both art and natural beauty, and nowhere is that more evident than at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Watch our new video series to find out more about the new
Unwrap the Season: Celebrate With Art in Grand Rapids
Just because the temperatures are dropping, doesn’t mean the people of Grand Rapids are hunkering down and staying home. We like to be involved and Grand Rapids gives us plenty of options, regardless of the weather. Over the next few weeks, we’ll bring you news on what’s happening around town during the holiday season,…
My Grand Rapids "Art Outdoors" Artist Profile: Nick Nortier
A couple of years ago, artist Nick Nortier was living in a house and he began to think that the edifice looked like a face. “I like to personify things,” he says. “There were a couple of windows
Fourth Annual GRandJazzFest Brings Free Music to Downtown Grand Rapids
Did someone say “Free jazz in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids?” GRandJazzFest did! Presented by DTE Energy Foundation, this two-day jazz spectacular returns August 15 and 16 to Rosa Parks Circle,
American Quilter’s Society QuiltWeek Returns to Grand Rapids August 12-15
If you enjoy art, craftsmanship and creativity, then American Quilters Society QuiltWeek® at DeVos Place Convention Center in August 12-15 is for you! The show brings creativity, passion and for some
My Grand Rapids "Art Outdoor" Artist Profile: Emily Chilvers
This summer, you’ll see billboards throughout Michigan featuring the artwork of five artists whose work was selected by a juried committee as part of Experience Grand Rapids' “Art Outdoor” campaign.
My Grand Rapids Art Outdoor Artist Profile: Alynn Guerra
The five pieces of art selected by a juried committee for the Grand Rapids "Art Outdoor" Campaign are now on billboards throughout the state. You can see art along several highways through September,
My Grand Rapids Art Outdoors Artist Profile: Maggie Bandstra
Maggie Bandstra is one of five artists whose work was recently selected by a juried panel to be featured on a Michigan billboard this summer. Twenty-seven artists submitted work in response to
My Grand Rapids Art Outdoor Artist Profile: Alex Gilford
Earlier this month, Experience Grand Rapids announced the names of 5 artists whose works will be featured on billboards around the state this summer. A juried panel selected their artwork from over 25
Announcing The Artists Selected To Represent Grand Rapids in the Art Outdoor Campaign!
Grand Rapids is undeniably an art destination. Residents and visitors experience art when we tour Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and ArtPrize, but there's more
Great Food, Lively Entertainment, and All Kinds of Art: Its Time for Festival
Get ready for three days of fun in downtown Grand Rapids: the 46 th annual Festival of the Arts starts at noon on Friday, June 5 and runs through Sunday, June 7. Streets downtown will be shut down so
Beauty and Tranquility: You'll Find it at Meijer Garden's New Japanese Garden, Opening…
Since April 1995, locals and visitors have flocked to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to enjoy both the fantastic, diverse gardens and the beautiful sculptures and exhibits. Beginning June
10 Things You Never Knew About Greater Grand Rapids
Everyone has heard about how Grand Rapids is Furniture City, the home of Amway and Meijer, and the land of cyclopean church buildings. However, quite a diverse mix of attractions has been added to
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