Community Impact News + Updates

Arts & Culture Collective of Grand Rapids (ACCGR), in partnership with the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, and regional partners, is launching a year-long initiative to develop a long-range Arts and Culture Strategy for the Grand Rapids/Kent County region, with KConnect serving as the facilitator for the project. The effort is intended to be a comprehensive, community-informed plan that will strengthen the region’s creative ecosystem and guide long-term investment in arts and culture countywide. Community members are invited to attend one of two Greater Grand Rapids Arts & Culture Strategy – Community Conversations to support the launch and development.

ACCGR has spent years laying the groundwork for this process, as the region’s cultural landscape has become more dynamic, diverse, and collaborative following the closure of the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids. A recent economic impact study, coordinated by ACCGR and the City of Grand Rapids and conducted by Grand Valley State University, found that the creative economy contributes more than $300 million annually, supports over 2,500 jobs, and attracts more than 1.3 million visitors to Kent County each year, underscoring the need for a coordinated regional strategy.

“Greater Grand Rapids is a region of creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity. This strategy will help us understand what our communities need and envision a stronger, more connected creative future,” said Lisa Knight, Grand Rapids 2nd Ward Commissioner.

The new Arts and Culture Strategy will establish a shared vision for how arts and culture can advance economic prosperity, community wellbeing, and regional identity. A public launch, including stakeholder workshops, will take place from March 30 to April 1.

The project will also include a State of Culture in Greater Grand Rapids presentation that summarizes regional data, community input, and insights from comparable peer cities. Community members are invited to join one of the following Greater Grand Rapids Arts & Culture Strategy – Community Conversations to learn more and provide input toward the arts and culture strategy (registration is on the ACCGR website). 

• Monday, March 30th, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Lowell Arts – 223 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331
• Tuesday, March 31st, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Center for Community Transformation – 1530 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Throughout the summer of 2026, residents of all ages and backgrounds will be invited to participate through:

• Community-wide survey (available in English and Spanish)
• Stakeholder interviews
• Sector workshops
• Community conversations
• Pop-up events and “meet-you-where-you-are” engagement

“This effort builds on years of collective work and action. We look forward to engaging our community as we shape a cultural strategy that reflects our values, our diversity, our aspirations, and the incredible creatives who call Kent County home,” said Steff Rosalez, Co-Chair, ACCGR. “This is a regional strategy that recognizes arts and culture as essential to both community wellbeing and economic vitality.”

The strategy will be grounded in what is unique to the region, while incorporating insights from other successful communities. ACCGR’s strategy will be to:

• Leverage the network of arts and culture attractions, venues, leaders, and creatives in Grand Rapids and Kent County as community assets.
• Support arts and culture in Grand Rapids and Kent County as a driver for a thriving, creative, and inclusive place to live, work, and visit.
• Integrate arts and culture into Grand Rapids and Kent County’s overall economic development strategy

The strategy will be developed by Lord Cultural Resources, a global leader in arts and culture planning whose recent work includes projects in Rockford, IL; Ulster County, NY; Charlotte, NC; Tucson, AZ; and Columbus, OH. Lord’s team brings deep experience facilitating inclusive community-driven processes.

“Greater Grand Rapids is at an extraordinary moment,” said Eve Moros Ortega, Senior Director, Lord Cultural Resources. “With a vibrant creative ecosystem, strong community momentum, and new opportunities for investment, this strategy can become a transformative roadmap grounded in the voices of residents across the region.”

The year-long planning process will be guided by:

• A Project Management Team, including the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, ACCGR, and KConnect representatives
• A Project Advisory Group of cross-sectoral leaders from across Grand Rapids and Kent County
• Up to 10 Community Ambassadors to facilitate deeper engagement in underrepresented communities

The final Arts and Culture Strategy will be completed in early 2027 and presented to regional partners and the public. To learn more about ACCGR or register for upcoming events, visit www.accgr.org.