The announcement came in a social media post, stating:
“We are sad to share that Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts is coming to a close. This festival has been a celebration of creativity, community, and culture, and we are incredibly grateful for all the support over the years.”
The volunteer-driven event has been running since 1970.
“Festival has very much always held a very special meeting for us for sure.”
Former board member Stasia Savage volunteered since she was 10 years old, and it led to lifelong relationships.
“Meet Kevin and I was like, oh hey, how you doing? You know I was 10; he was 12. And we became friends and then our families became friends, and I don't know, gosh, 12 years later we got married under the Calder.”
Inspired by the city’s iconic Alexander Calder sculpture, Festival of the Arts was designed to highlight the arts and provide free performances and activities for the community.
No specifics were given for the decision to end the festival, but Savage believes it’s a combination of declining participation from volunteers, sponsors and attendees, and changing times.
“Your friends and your neighbors and the people that go to your church were the ones that were actually putting it on, and I think that community sense of ownership is really one of the things that people might miss the most.”
