The
Collective of
Grand Rapids
is a
initiative
dedicated to
enhancing,
promoting, and
for the art
and culture
sector in our city.
Why ACCGR?
Art and cultural investment creates social capital and enriches every facet of the community. Art unites individuals not only in physical spaces like galleries and museums, but also culturally, by narrating a community’s collective journey and creating a connection between individuals in all walks of life.
Who:
Arts and Culture Collective of Grand Rapids (ACCGR) is an arts + cultural collective leveraging the power of creativity for equitable social transformation. By leading initiatives such as a countywide economic impact study and the development of a comprehensive Arts and Culture Plan, ACCGR is building the infrastructure necessary for a thriving, equitable arts ecosystem.
Our Why:
Join the Greater Grand Rapids Arts & Culture Strategy – Community Conversations
All are welcome to learn more and share input as we begin shaping the Arts and Culture Strategy for Grand Rapids and Kent County.
ACCGR, in partnership with the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, and KConnect, is launching a year-long initiative to develop a comprehensive, community-informed strategy. This plan will strengthen the region’s creative ecosystem and guide long-term investment in arts and culture across the county.
Community members are encouraged to attend one of our kickoff events.
ACCGR has spent recent years preparing for this process, as the region’s cultural landscape has become increasingly dynamic, diverse, and collaborative. 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
The strategy will highlight what makes our region unique while learning from other successful communities. Key goals include:
- 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 with guidance from Lord Cultural Resources, a leader in arts and culture planning.
The year-long planning process will include:
- A Project Management Team of the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, and ACCGR 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
Residents of all ages and backgrounds are invited to participate throughout summer 2026 through:
- Community-wide surveys (English & Spanish)
- Stakeholder interviews
- Sector workshops
- Community conversations
- Pop-up events
Attend ACCGR’s upcoming launch events:
Current Work
Our work is focused on strengthening and advancing the art sector in Grand Rapids. As we continue to solidify our goals, we’re looking at a few big ideas that help us address current challenges and build a resilient and vibrant cultural landscape.
Collecting Data and Insights
ACCGR is actively gathering both quantitative and qualitative data to understand and measure the profound impact of arts and culture in the greater Grand Rapids region. This includes an economic study led by ACCGR and conducted by Grand Valley State University, supported in 2024 by the City of Grand Rapids Commissioners, that highlights the economic impact of the arts and culture sector in our community. Through this work, ACCGR aims to highlight the essential role that arts and culture play in fostering a thriving, inclusive community.
Developing an Arts and Culture Plan
To ensure a cohesive and strategic approach, ACCGR is leading the creation of an Arts and Culture Plan for the Grand Rapids and Kent County region. This plan will serve as a roadmap for sustaining and growing the sector, integrating community voice, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and prioritizing equity and inclusion. The goal is to create a framework that empowers artists, organizations, and the community to collectively build a future where arts and culture are accessible for all.
To receive updates on the planning process, sign up for the mailing list.
What's Next — A stronger vision for the future
Currently, we’re working alongside our partners to solidify our next steps. Here’s what’s in store:
- High-Leverage Activities: We aim to identify and support initiatives that will have a substantial impact on the local arts and culture scene.
- Decision-Making Protocol: We’re working on a unified decision-making protocol to ensure that we move forward as a united front.
- Cultural Plan: Our goal is to pinpoint the next crucial steps in the development of a comprehensive Cultural Plan for Grand Rapids.
Join Us — and help grow our collective action
Who Has Participated So Far?
West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT)
The Right Place
The Diatribe
Steelcase
St. Cecilia Music Center
Reyna’s Gallery
RDV
Poplar Media
Opera Grand Rapids
Muse GR
Mosaic Film Experience
Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts
Kendall College of Art and Design
KConnect
Hip Hop Association of Advancement and Education
GVSU Art Department and Collections
Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities
Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus
Grand Rapids Symphony
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation
Grand Rapids Ballet
Grand Rapids Artists Bureau (GRAB)
Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM)
Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives (GRAAMA)
Girls Choral Academy
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Festival of the Arts
Ebony Road Players
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
DisArt
Dinderbeck
DAAC
Cultivate GR
Community Circle Theatre
City of Grand Rapids
CarpenBarry Theater
Broadway Grand Rapids
Avenue for the Arts
Artprize
Artists Creating Together
AllArtWorks
Actor’s Theatre Grand Rapids
Our Steering Committee
Kim Van Driel
Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc.
Lisa Knight
Girls Choral Academy
Cindy Foley
Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM)
Maggie Lancaster
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Steff Rosalez
Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities (GAAH)
Tim Mroz
The Right Place
Stay in the Loop and Get Involved
