Grand Rapids Earns Our Town Grant From The National Endowment For The Arts

Press release from the City of Grand Rapids:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The City of Grand Rapids has been awarded a $75,000 Our Town grant to research, plan and integrate wayfinding, historical markers and art of original indigenous people into the "River for All" Grand River trail and restoration project. The grant through the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) will help fund a series of interpretive monuments along the Grand River trail and a feature sculpture of Anishinaabe art located at the geographic and cultural center of the river restoration – Ah-Nab-Awen Park. The total project is estimated at $280,000 and the balance will be raised via a future public fundraising campaign.

The project is part of a comprehensive approach to ensure that equity is a focal point for the City's “River for All” river restoration and revitalization efforts. This project aims to strengthen the community by directly involving the local indigenous tribes to own and share their narrative and decide how to express that through interpretive monuments and public art. It aligns with the goals and objectives contained in the City’s strategic plan and City's master plan, section 7.1. The master plan specifically focuses on the Grand River, open space, the city's heritage and urban design as important quality of life considerations.

“Acknowledgement of Grand Rapids' original peoples has happened in a long series of one-off efforts over the decades - a mural here, a plaque there - but outside of the walls of Public Museum, there is no comprehensive initiative to memorialize and honor the People of the Three Fires and their connection to this land,” Doug Matthews, assistant city manager and chief administrative officer, said. “This will ensure that present and future generations will have an opportunity to understand the importance of the Grand River to its original peoples as we return the river to its original state - as it existed before colonization and industrialization of the riverfront took root.”

The project will be completed over the next two years in four phases, beginning with capacity-building and engagement work this summer and fall. Anishinaabe Circle and the Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians have been invited to take the leadership role in this phase of work, coordinating with tribal members and elders in the Grand Rapids community.

Anishinaabe Circle extended its gratitude and support to the art of original indigenous people initiative in Grand Rapids.

“Working together to re-create spaces for Native American people in the city strengthens the cultural inclusivity that has been a central component in Awashtenung always. We embrace being included and look forward to more of these synergistic relationships in our community. Wewene,” said Anishinaabe Circle Chairperson Madalene BigBear.

Dr. Stephanie Ogren, vice president of science and education at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, said the Public Museum is also honored to be a partner in this NEA Our Town project.

“We look forward to assisting in creating broader acknowledgment of the Anishinabek as the original people of this place, through art and place-making as part of the River for All plans,” she said.

The City’s award is one of seven presented to organizations in Grand Rapids and is one of the 21 granted statewide. It also is one of 63 grants nationwide that the agency has approved in this category to support projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes; ultimately laying the groundwork for sustainable systems change.

“As the country and the arts sector begin to work towards a post-pandemic world, the National Endowment for the Arts is proud to announce this Our Town funding. These awards will support cross-sector partnerships such as the one led by the City of Grand Rapids and their partners that demonstrate the power of the arts to help communities create a better future for themselves,” said NEA Acting Chairperson Ann Eilers.

For more information on the projects included in the Arts Endowment grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.

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This press release was produced by the City of Grand Rapids. The views expressed are the author's own.