PROJECT SUMMARY

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., in partnership with local stakeholders, seeks a qualified facilitator or team of firms to facilitate the creation of a cohesive curatorial vision and plan of action for riverfront public art along the Grand River Greenway in Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Public Art Plan will be largely focused on commissioned or curated permanent installations such as anchoring gateway pieces and site-specific sculptural work.

BACKGROUND

The Grand River is a significant and prominent feature within Grand Rapids and West Michigan. Grand Rapidians envision a revitalized 'River For All' that can enhance quality of life and equitable opportunities through river restoration, beautification, activation, and connection.

The Grand River Greenway is an emerging network of public parks and other civic amenities linked together by 80 miles of multi-use trails following the Grand River corridor from Kent County's eastern border, through the City of Grand Rapids, to Lake Michigan in Ottawa County. Within the urban core of Grand Rapids, the Greenway encompasses 10 miles of trail and 230 acres of public parks anchored by Riverside Park to the north and Millennium Park to the south. Additional river corridor projects in Downtown Grand Rapids include dam removal and habitat restoration of the river channel, mixed use redevelopment of legacy industrial properties, and new civic spaces like the 12,000-seat riverfront outdoor amphitheater.

The development of the Grand River Greenway is coordinated by a network of public partners including Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians, along with several private and philanthropic partners. Interagency coordination for implementation of the Greenway is increasing through current and future capital projects, which total over $300 million of investment in parks, trails, and other recreational assets over the next 5-10 years.

The full description of the Grand River Public Art Plan RFP, including goals and scope of work, can be found here.