Kendall College of Art and Design giving BaCk and getting more
While Kendall College of Art and Design originally located in downtown Grand Rapids to help grow the core of the city, downtown is now supporting the college by providing an environment where creatives thrive. “Now the reason to be here is that the city core is growing and vibrant, a haven for creatives and those who energize the region through their ideas and activities,” said David M. Rosen, president of Kendall. Kris Jones, a graduate of Kendall’s MFA program and an admissions counselor, calls the relationship symbiotic. Artists and designers can explore and gain inspiration, but also give
back through various programs and volunteer opportunities. “An art and design school needs to have exposure and divergent thought and the city offers that,” he said. Events such as ArtPrize and partnerships with organizations such as the Grand Rapids Public Museum have made the city an even better location for the school. “You don’t have to go looking for exciting things,” Rosen said. “It is just outside the door, and in the case of KCAD, inside the door. We want to help stir things up and contribute to the buzz.” KCAD is making in-state tuition rates available to all states, hoping to
increase its student body, which is currently over 1,400. “We anticipate students will want the type of setting we have,” Jones said, describing the city of Grand Rapids as “safe, clean, and ready for them.” Grand Rapids is a place that embraces the KCAD community, Rosen said. “Artists and designers are outsiders in many communities. Here they are insiders, embraced and celebrated,” he said. “That is rare and wonderful. Because GR appreciates our work and the work of others like us, GR gives us the courage to do what we do.”
17 Fountain St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-451-2787 Office kcad.edu distinctively downtown 2013 49503 23