ABOUT

About the Arts Council of Grand Rapids

The Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids was founded in 1967 as a United Arts Fund that raised money for and offered marketing support to the large arts organizations in Grand Rapids. In 1969, Festival was developed as a fundraiser for the Arts Council and the nonprofits it supported. Since then, the Arts Council has been strengthening the cultural fabric of greater Grand Rapids through financial and strategic support and advocacy efforts.

In 1991, the Arts Council became a regional administrator for the state of Michigan minigrant programs. Every year funds from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) are distributed to local community-based nonprofits in seven counties (Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola).

In 2002 the Arts Council and Festival formally separated into two distinct 501(c)3s with separate missions and boards of trustees. While the two entities had supported one another for three decades, each grew and developed into its own independent organization.

Also in 2002, the Arts Council began the Arts Education Funding Pool. The Funding Pool's mission is to provide arts educators in the Kent Intermediate School District with resources above and beyond their standard school budgets in order to help children of all ages and abilities gain greater exposure to the arts.

Today, the Arts Council continues to provide financial and strategic support to its organization members. Additionally, it provides its artist members with an exhibition venue, networking opportunities, and professional support. As an advocate for the arts, the Arts Council represents its organizations and artist members on both a city- and state-wide level.