Why do you feel it is important for entrepreneurs and artists to connect? While most people would assign entrepreneurs to the realm of business, and connect artists to culture—at two ends of a spectrum—I strongly believe there are many connections between the two. In fact, there is a lot to be shared between the two, because any successful artist is pushing at the boundaries of standard expectations of their media and style—think of Leonardo Da Vinci, Renaissance master, Picasso, inventor of Cubism, or Jean-Michel Basquiat, who started as a street artist in the 1980s who moved on to canvasses that are now treasured. An entrepreneur, too, is breaking the rules or asking big questions. When I moved to Grand Rapids, I was thrilled to learn that GRAM was the site of “5x5 Nights,” events that were the precursor to StartGarden—here the public could come to hear about new local business ideas and meet the entrepreneurs. Another example of this crossover creativity is Rob Bliss’ lip-dub videos, a carefully-orchestrated creative endeavor that celebrated the city and the humanity found here. Under the roof of the art museum, too, should be a safe space for artists or entrepreneurs to meet up, and breathe in the creativity that is in the air.
What distinguishes an artist from an entrepreneur? I believe both are grounded in creativity, innovation, and inspiration to do something never done before, but their trajectories are directed on different pathways—artists to objects, events, performances, etc. and entrepreneurs towards an enterprise or service.
What barriers exist between entrepreneurs and artists? While I don’t believe there should be any barriers between artists and entrepreneurs, these are tribes that don’t necessarily travel together… but they each should seek places for crossover, to explore shared concerns, to come together and solve problems, or just create together. I think “maker spaces” might be areas of connection for both, or collaborative “start-up weekends” or ArtPrize.
What makes young people want to leave Grand Rapids? Grand Rapids isn’t for everyone, and when you are young, it’s a good time to head out of town and cross borders, take risks, explore the world, see new things, meet new people, and embrace new experiences.
What keeps young people in Grand Rapids? Among the young people I encounter, many who came here because of the strong local colleges and universities, there is an appreciation of GR as a livable city, with cool neighborhoods, a lively downtown, and adjacent warehouse districts. They also find a nurturing attitude for creative communities and start-ups focused on art, design, food, craft, beer, services, and collaborative activities. Employment opportunities are important--there is a wide spectrum of companies to work at—or consult for—in a variety of different exciting, growing fields including furniture, media, tech, and health. We’re beginning to build an infrastructure around exchange of ideas, support for business incubation and acceleration, and community engagement. I’ve been here for almost three years, and I feel GR is a great place for creative, ambitious, directed people.
How do you think Grand Rapids should retain young talent after graduation? We need to be more inclusive of diverse cultures and talents—they are here but we need to build more bridges, and mix it up—this is happening with groups like BLEND or LINC. West Michigan can’t provide something to fit everyone’s needs as they grow, and it shouldn’t try…but you can always come back at some point in the future! I think that Grand Rapids is growing and acquiring attractive institutions, such as ArtPrize, the Downtown Market, the expanded offerings of GVSU, Kendall College of Art and Design, MSU College of Human Medicine, etc. that make it an exciting platform for young people to find their own successes.
Interview by Sam Ging Digital Media Designer
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