Q8: In what ways can the city of Grand Rapids help you advance your artistic/cultural practice? Free responses (71): Although the question was intended to probe what support creative practitioners would like from the City of Grand Rapids, many respondents interpreted this question as how “the community, in general” and not “city government” can be supportive. Quite a number of respondents (17) want access to more classes and workshops. A few respondents focused on advance training (e.g., professional dance classes, mentorships with photographers, workshops with professional theater directors); others want more “wine and paint” events. Several respondents (12) desire more promotion and marketing. A few respondents (7) suggested shared facilities/resources and/or affordable space for artists to practice and showcase their work. More specifically, several respondents want performing/exhibition opportunities for local and/or emerging artists.
Q9: I can easily access information about Grand Rapids area arts and cultural offerings: Percentage of Respondents
Answer Choices in local print media through local broadcast news in tourism literature through internet/social media
Strongly agree Agree 22% 57% 17% 40% 8% 36% 24% 54%
*percentages based on answers from 299 respondents.
Neither agree nor Strongly disagree Disagree disagree 11% 21% 30% 12%
6% 15% 9% 4%
2% 2% 2% 1%
Don't know
2% 6% 15% 4%
Q10: Please share any details on how you access information about arts and culture. For instance, what are the most important sources? Are there particular kinds of arts offerings for which you wish you had more/better access to information? Free responses (128): Respondents mentioned Northern Community Radio (27), Reif (specifically mailings) (20) and the print media (specifically the Grand Rapids Herald Review (22) as ways to access information about arts and culture. Other important sources included social media and word of mouth. Respondents also mentioned First Friday Street banners, the Itasca Community Television bulletin board, church bulletins, fliers in local businesses, IOSP, and Visit Grand Rapids. Many people offered suggestions for improved communication about arts and cultural offerings, such as greater emphasis on internet/social media, an electronic bulletin board, having one centralized repository website/email directory, and sending out a First Friday-specific email with details about participating artists.
GRMN Creates| An Arts and Culture Roadmap
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