By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern

After the announcement that ArtPrize would not take place this year, a group of Grand Rapids residents and city leaders have come together to offer a new art-focused event to encourage area residents to come down and enjoy Michigan’s second-largest city.

 

The Bridge GR kicked off on Aug. 28 and runs through Oct. 3. The event takes place throughout downtown Grand Rapids and its surrounding neighborhoods. The Bridge GR is a live event focused on celebrating Grand Rapids’ arts, culture, music, and community. Events such as yoga, concerts, dance parties, and river clean-ups will take place throughout the month. For a complete list of events, you can visit www.TheBridgeGR.com.

“This exciting community celebration serves to bridge the gap between our current reality and our brighter future,” said Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington. “By giving our community this platform, we hope not only to celebrate who we are, but to build conversations that promote resilience, healing, shared understanding, and progress in Grand Rapids.”

Many in the community are currently suffering the effects of the pandemic. The Bridge GR is designed to support economic recovery while connecting the community. Recently the national conversation has turned towards issues of racial and economic justice and the Bridge GR hopes to provide residents with an opportunity to experience diverse cultures to provide a platform to speak on these injustices.

 

“This is a time to unite in celebration of the diverse talent and cultures that make Grand Rapids unique,” said Tim Kelly, president, and CEO of DGRI. “Bridge GR will have activities for the whole family and will help ensure our community stays resilient into the future.”

 

In light of these injustices, Dégagé Ministries has created The Pillow Project. This installation features pillowcases decorated by the community that represents the 4,700 women who have accessed Dégagé Ministries Open Door Women’s Center since 2003. The project is designed to share the stories of the woman Dégagé has served. The project is located at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, on the Gillett Bridge, and along the fencing to the west of DeVos Place.

All Bridge GR events will take place outdoors and are limited to one hundred attendees. Participants are encouraged to wear a mask and all events will follow the State of Michigan guidelines which are detailed on The Bridge GR website. 

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