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Do not fill this in! ==Arts and culture== [[File:Grand Rapids Independence Day 2016.jpg|300px|thumb|right|2016 [[Independence Day (United States)|Independence Day]] celebration on the Grand River.]] In 1969, [[Alexander Calder]]'s abstract sculpture, ''[[La Grande Vitesse]]'', which translates from [[French language|French]] as "the great swiftness" or more loosely as "grand rapids," was installed downtown on Vandenberg Plaza, the redesigned setting of Grand Rapids City Hall.<ref name="SculpturesitesGR.org">{{cite web |date = June 14, 1969 |title = West Michigan Sculptures: Alexander Calder ''La Grande Vitesse'', 1969 |url = http://www.sculpturesitesgr.org/sculpture_detail.php?artwork_id=1&location=2 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081225103256/http://www.sculpturesitesgr.org/sculpture_detail.php?artwork_id=1&location=2 |archive-date = December 25, 2008 |access-date = December 3, 2009 |website = SculpturesitesGR.org }}</ref> It was the first work of public art in the United States funded by the [[National Endowment for the Arts]].<ref name="endow1">{{cite web |title = 40th Anniversary Highlights: 1967: Initial Public Art Project Becomes a Landmark |url = http://www.arts.endow.gov/about/40th/grandrapids.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091015091505/http://arts.endow.gov/about/40th/grandrapids.html |archive-date = October 15, 2009 |access-date = December 3, 2009 |publisher = [[National Endowment for the Arts]] }}</ref> The sculpture is informally known as "the Calder", and since its installation the city has hosted an annual ''[[Festival of the Arts (Grand Rapids)|Festival of the Arts]]'' in the area surrounding the sculpture, now known informally as "Calder Plaza".<ref name="SculpturesitesGR.org"/><ref name="festarts">{{cite web |title = About Festival of the Arts |url = http://www.festivalgr.org/about/ |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100524060656/http://www.festivalgr.org/about |archive-date = May 24, 2010 |access-date = August 21, 2017 |publisher = Festival of the Arts, Grand Rapids, Michigan }}</ref> During the first weekend in June, several blocks of downtown surrounding the [[Alexander Calder|Calder]] stabile in [[Arthur H. Vandenberg|Vandenberg]] Plaza are closed to traffic. The festival features several stages with free live performances, food booths selling a variety of ethnic cuisine, art demonstrations and sales, and other arts-related activities. Organizers bill it as the largest all-volunteer arts festival in the United States. Vandenberg Plaza also hosts various ethnic festivals throughout the summer season. Each October, the city celebrates Polish culture, historically based on the West side of town, with [[Pulaski Days]]. [[File:Grand Rapids Public Museum.jpg|300px|thumb|left|The [[Grand Rapids Public Museum]] stretches along the Grand River.]] In 1973, Grand Rapids hosted ''Sculpture off the Pedestal'', an outdoor exhibition of public sculpture, which assembled works by 13 world-renowned artists, including [[Mark di Suvero]], [[John Raymond Henry|John Henry]], [[Kenneth Snelson]], [[Robert Morris (artist)|Robert Morris]], [[John Mason (artist)|John Mason]], [[Lyman Kipp]], and [[Stephen Antonakos]], in a single, citywide celebration. ''Sculpture off the Pedestal'' was a public/private partnership, including financial support by the [[National Endowment for the Arts]], educational support from the Michigan Council for the Arts, and in-kind contributions from individuals, business, and industry. Fund-raising events, volunteers, and locals housing artists contributed to the public character of the event. From 1980 to 2015, [[Celebration on the Grand]] was held the weekend after [[Labor Day]], featuring free concerts, fireworks display and food booths. 'Celebration on the Grand' is an event that celebrates life in the Grand River valley. On November 10, 2004, the grand [[premiere]] of the film ''[[The Polar Express (film)|The Polar Express]]'' was held in Grand Rapids. It was adapted from the children's book by author and illustrator [[Chris Van Allsburg]], who lives in the city. His main character in the book (and movie) also lives in Grand Rapids, and the movie is briefly set in the city. The [[Meijer Gardens]] created a Polar Express display as part of their larger ''[[Frederik Meijer Gardens#Seasonal events|Christmas Around the World]]'' exhibit. In mid-2004, the [[Grand Rapids Art Museum]] (GRAM) began construction of a new, larger building for its collection; it opened in October 2007 at 101 Monroe Center NW. The new building site faces the sculpture ''Ecliptic,'' by [[Maya Lin]], at [[Rosa Parks Circle]]. The museum was completed in 2007. It was the first new art museum to achieve gold-level [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design|LEED]] certification by the [[U.S. Green Building Council]]. [[ArtPrize]], the world's largest annual art competition determined by public voting, first took place in Grand Rapids from September 23 through October 10, 2009. This event was founded by Rick DeVos, grandson of Amway Corp. co-founder [[Richard DeVos]], who offered $449,000 in cash prizes. A total of 1,262 artists exhibited their work for two weeks, and a total of 334,219 votes were cast. First prize, including a $250,000 cash prize, went to Brooklyn painter Ran Ortner.<ref name="artprizehistory">{{cite web |title = History |url = https://www.artprize.org/history/story |access-date = August 21, 2017 |publisher = Artprize |archive-date = August 21, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170821045116/https://www.artprize.org/history/story |url-status = live }}</ref> ArtPrize 2010 was held September 22 through October 10, 2010, with work by 1,713 artists on display. The first prize was awarded to Grand Rapids artist [[Chris LaPorte]].<ref name="aboutartprize">{{cite web |title = About ArtPrize |url = http://www.artprize.org/about |access-date = August 21, 2017 |publisher = Artprize |archive-date = August 9, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170809095637/http://www.artprize.org/about |url-status = live }}</ref> [[File:Founders Brewing Company 2022.jpg|thumb|[[Founders Brewing Company]]]] ===Tourism=== [[File:Ford ford museum.jpg|right|thumb|The [[Gerald R. Ford Museum]], dedicated in 1981, is located downtown on the west bank of the Grand River. [[President Ford]] and First Lady [[Betty Ford]] are buried on the museum's grounds.]] Grand Rapids is the home of [[John Ball Zoological Garden]], [[Belknap Hill]], and the [[Gerald R. Ford Museum]]. He and former First Lady Betty Ford were buried on the site. Significant buildings in the downtown include the [[DeVos Place Convention Center]], [[Van Andel Arena]], the [[Amway Grand Plaza Hotel]], and the [[JW Marriott Grand Rapids|JW Marriott Hotel]]. The [[Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts]] is downtown, and houses art exhibits, a movie theater, and the urban clay studio.<ref>{{cite web |title = UICA |url = http://www.uica.org/ |access-date = August 20, 2017 |publisher = Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts |archive-date = March 30, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150330062132/http://www.uica.org/ |url-status = dead }}</ref> Along the [[Grand River (Michigan)|Grand River]] are reconstructed earthwork [[burial mounds]], which were constructed by the prehistoric [[Hopewell culture|Hopewell tribe]]; a [[fish ladder]], and a riverwalk. Grand Rapids is home to the [[Public Museum of Grand Rapids|Van Andel Museum Center]]. Founded in 1854, it is among the oldest history museums in the United States. The museum's sites include its main building, constructed in 1994 on the west bank of the [[Grand River (Michigan)|Grand River]] (home to the [[Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium]]); the Voigt House Victorian Museum, and the City Archives and Records Center. The latter held the museum and planetarium before 1994. Since the late 20th century, the museum has hosted notable exhibitions, including one on the [[Dead Sea Scrolls]], and ''The Quest for Immortality: the Treasures of Ancient Egypt.'' A non-profit institution, it is owned and managed by the Public Museum of Grand Rapids Foundation.[[File:Voight House.jpg|thumb|An example of [[Châteauesque]] architecture in the [[Heritage Hill Historic District (Grand Rapids, Michigan)|Heritage Hill Historic District]], a neighborhood immediately east of downtown]] [[Heritage Hill Historic District (Grand Rapids, Michigan)|Heritage Hill]], a neighborhood directly east of downtown, is one of the largest urban historic districts in the country. The first "neighborhood" of Grand Rapids, its 1,300 homes date from 1848 and represent more than 60 architectural styles. Of particular significance is the [[Meyer May House]], a [[Prairie School|Prairie]]-style home [[Frank Lloyd Wright]] designed in 1908.<ref>{{cite news |last = Grass |first = Michael |date = September 23, 2015 |title = Unsolicited Advice: Forget Beer, Grand Rapids. It's Time to Trumpet Architecture, Too. |work = Route Fifty |publisher = [[Atlantic Media]] |location = Washington, DC |url = http://www.routefifty.com/2015/09/grand-rapids-architecture/121769/ |access-date = August 21, 2017 |archive-date = June 28, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170628182059/http://www.routefifty.com/2015/09/grand-rapids-architecture/121769/ |url-status = live }}</ref> It was commissioned by local merchant Meyer May, who operated a men's clothing store (May's of Michigan). The house is now owned and operated by [[Steelcase|Steelcase Corporation]]. Steelcase manufactured the furniture for the [[Johnson Wax Building]] in [[Racine, Wisconsin]], which was also designed by Wright and is recognized as a landmark building. Because of those ties, Steelcase purchased and restored the property in the 1980s. The restoration has been heralded as one of the most accurate and complete of any Wright restoration. The home is used by Steelcase for special events and is open to the public for tours. [[File:GRFORDSPACEStatue.jpg|left|thumb|upright|Space Statue at the [[Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum]] in Grand Rapids, Michigan]] Grand Rapids is home to many theaters and stages, including the newly reconstructed [[Grand Rapids Civic Theatre & School of Theatre Arts|Civic Theatre]] (also known as the Meijer Majestic), the city's largest theater; DeVos Hall, and the convertible Van Andel Arena. Further east of downtown is the historic [[Wealthy Theatre]]. Studio 28, the first [[megaplex]] in the United States, is in Grand Rapids; it reopened in 1988 with a [[seating capacity]] of 6,000.<ref>{{cite web |year = 2009 |title = Jack Loeks' Studio 28 |url = http://cinematreasures.org/theater/7219/ |access-date = August 21, 2017 |website = Cinema Treasures |archive-date = April 5, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090405174806/http://cinematreasures.org/theater/7219 |url-status = live }}</ref> The megaplex ceased operations on November 23, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |date = November 27, 2009 |title = Studio 28 Theatre |url = http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/4197.html |access-date = August 21, 2017 |website = CinemaTour! |archive-date = December 2, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081202204209/http://www.cinematour.com/tour/us/4197.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1 = Brenzing |first1 = Bob |last2 = Ross |first2 = Peter |name-list-style = amp |date = November 14, 2008 |title = Studio 29 closing November 23rd |publisher = WZZM-TV |location = Walker, MI |url = http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=101472 |url-status = dead |access-date = January 14, 2010 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130419043408/http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=101472 |archive-date = April 19, 2013 }}</ref> The Grand Rapids company also owns many theaters around West Michigan. The [[Acrisure Amphitheater]], a planned outdoor venue with 12,000 seats, is expected to open in 2026.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Carlson |first=Kate |date=2023-08-25 |title=Amphitheater groundbreaking on track for spring 2024 as officials navigate moving parts |url=https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/news/real-estate/amphitheater-groundbreaking-on-track-for-spring-2024-as-officials-navigate-moving-parts/ |access-date=2024-01-26 |website=[[Crain Communications]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Grand Rapids' prominent craft beer culture has continued to garner the city national and international recognition in recent years, making it a destination for increasing numbers of tourists. The city was awarded the nation's "Best Beer City" for the third year in a row in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-04 |title=Grand Rapids Named Nation's Best Beer City for the Third Year in a Row |url=https://www.experiencegr.com/media-articles/post/grand-rapids-named-nations-best-beer-city-for-the-third-year-in-a-row/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=www.experiencegr.com |language=en-us}}</ref> ===Entertainment and performing arts=== [[File:Wealthy Theatre Grand Rapids.jpg|thumb|[[Wealthy Theatre]]]] Grand Rapids has several popular concert venues in which numerous bands have performed, including 20 Monroe Live, the DAAC, the Intersection, DeVos Performance Hall, Van Andel Arena, Royce Auditorium in St. Cecilia Music Center, Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, The Pyramid Scheme, and the Deltaplex. The Schubert Male Chorus of Grand Rapids was founded by Henry C. Post on November 19, 1883; the chorus continues to perform a variety of music. The [[Grand Rapids Symphony]], founded in 1930, is the largest performing arts organization in Grand Rapids with a roster of about 50 full-time and 30 part-time musicians. In addition to its own concert series, the orchestra under music director [[Marcelo Lehninger]] accompanies productions by Grand Rapids Ballet and Opera Grand Rapids, presenting more than 400 performances a year.<ref name="Symphony">{{cite web |title = About the GRS |url = http://grsymphony.org/about |access-date = August 20, 2017 |publisher = The Grand Rapids Symphony |archive-date = November 24, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101124041754/http://grsymphony.org/about |url-status = live }}</ref> [[File:Grand Rapids Symphony - Marcelo Lehninger.jpg|left|thumb|[[Grand Rapids Symphony]] ]] The Grand Rapids Barbershop Chapter Great Lakes Chorus is an all-male ''[[a cappella]]'' [[barbershop music|barbershop]] harmony chorus, including quartets. It is one of the oldest chapters in the Barbershop Harmony Society (formally known as the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, or SPEBSQSA). The Grand Rapids chapter organized on November 1, 1939, for quartet singers; it is credited for holding the first society-sanctioned quartet contest in the "Michigan District" (now Pioneer District) in March 1941. In 1944 the Grand Rapids Chapter is credited with having the first International Quartet champions, "The Harmony Halls." In 1947 the Great Lakes Chorus (then called the Grand Rapids Chorus) was founded. In 1953 the first International Chorus Competition was held, and the Great Lakes Chorus took First Place, the first "International Convention Championship Chorus", under the direction of Robert Weaver.<ref name="GLC">{{cite web |title = About/History |url = http://greatlakeschorus.org/about/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101218074657/http://greatlakeschorus.org/about/ |archive-date = December 18, 2010 |access-date = December 15, 2010 |publisher = Great Lakes Chorus }}</ref> The chorus is still very active as a non-profit singing for community, competition, and contracted performances. Grand Rapids Ballet Company was founded in 1971 and is one of Michigan's few professional ballet companies.<ref name="ballet">{{cite web |title = Crafted in Michigan: The Grand Rapids Ballet is en pointe |url = https://www.mlive.com/michigansbest/2020/08/crafted-in-michigan-the-grand-rapids-ballet-is-en-pointe.html |access-date = August 24, 2020 |work = MLive |archive-date = August 27, 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200827204531/https://www.mlive.com/michigansbest/2020/08/crafted-in-michigan-the-grand-rapids-ballet-is-en-pointe.html |url-status = live }}</ref> The ballet company is on Ellsworth Avenue in the [[Heartside]] neighborhood, where it moved in 2000. In 2007, it expanded its facility by adding the LEED-certified Peter Wege Theater.<ref name=ballet/> Opera Grand Rapids, founded in 1966, is the state's longest-running professional company.<ref>{{cite web |date = September 10, 2010 |title = History |url = http://www.operagr.com/history.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101016075240/http://www.operagr.com/history.html |archive-date = October 16, 2010 |access-date = December 15, 2010 |publisher = Opera Grand Rapids }}</ref> In February 2010, the opera moved into a new facility in the Fulton Heights neighborhood.<ref>{{cite news |last = Kaczmarczyk |first = Jeffrey |date = February 16, 2010 |title = Opera Grand Rapids Begins Move-in at its $2.5 Million First Permanent Home |url = http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/02/opera_grand_rapids_begins_move.html |work = MLive |access-date = August 20, 2017 |archive-date = July 24, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170724002832/http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/02/opera_grand_rapids_begins_move.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Grand Rapids is also home to Art Prize, the largest art exposition in the U.S. Art Prize began in 2009 with the over 200,000 visitors and has since doubled the number of visitors it receives each year. Artprize receives many international visitors each year and is still growing with over 1,500 entries from 48 countries across 200+ venues in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title = The ArtPrize Story |url = https://www.artprize.org/history/story |access-date = April 10, 2017 |publisher = Artprize |archive-date = April 11, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170411055629/https://www.artprize.org/history/story |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = ArtPrize 2015 Has a Little More Art, and a Lot More International Artists |work = MLive |url = http://www.mlive.com/artprize/index.ssf/2015/06/artprize_2015_has_a_little_more_art_but_a_lot_more_international_artists.html |access-date = August 21, 2017 |archive-date = August 21, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170821045050/http://www.mlive.com/artprize/index.ssf/2015/06/artprize_2015_has_a_little_more_art_but_a_lot_more_international_artists.html |url-status = live }}</ref> Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. 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