Overview

Rapid Art Movement is Grand Rapids' first arts event built for social distance. Unlike traditional festivals which give rise to crowds as people flock to specific sites, RAM will have no fixed locations. Instead it will take place in a geographic zone of ever-shifting activity within the Monroe North neighborhood. Focused on inspiring new work from local artists, RAM will challenge them to create pieces that can be displayed and performed on the move. A music performance will take place on one street corner, then move to another. An an artwork will pass you on the sidewalk. An actor will perform a monologue on a bicycle. How can art be attached to the body, put on wheels, or performed while in motion? RAM will show Grand Rapids that when given the chance, our artists can create unforgettable experiences.

Impact

RAM aims to give local artists the increasingly rare chance to show their work and be paid for it. Arts events are creative catalysts which spark new relationships and collaborations among artists. The attendees of the event will witness creativity up close, thus forming new relationships with artists and renewed interest in local artistic production. Furthermore, Monroe North business will benefit from increased traffic, whether carry-out or eat-in, after a particularly difficult lock down. Interested in contributing to this creative revival? You can lend your support to Avenue for the Arts here.

Avenue for the Arts

Rapid Art Movement is a project of Avenue for the Arts. Since 2005 the Avenue has supported Grand Rapids creatives by offering resources, exhibition opportunities, and professional development that enable them to experiment, grow, and flourish. Expanding from its origins as Grand Rapids’ downtown creative business district, the Avenue is an organization empowering artists throughout our city.