Without visibility, income, or opportunity, too many local artists are leaving the city to pursue careers elsewhere. And when artists leave, the entire community loses. We lose neighborhood vibrancy, economic potential, public art, and the cultural identity that makes people proud to call Grand Rapids home—and inspired to stay. 

Grand Rapids Artists Bureau is here to change that.

We believe that when artists thrive, everyone benefits—because art isn’t a luxury. It’s a community asset. It's how we build connection, economic vitality, and civic pride.

Our Mission

Helping Artists Thrive—For the Good of the Community

GRAB supports local visual artists in building sustainable, rewarding careers—because a strong creative sector makes Grand Rapids a better place to live, work, and belong. When the people of Grand Rapids have access to powerful, locally rooted art in their everyday lives, we see stronger neighborhoods, more engaged citizens, and a more vibrant, inclusive economy. A creative city is a thriving city.

Our Impact

Our three core initiatives are designed to uplift artists while also making Grand Rapids a more magnetic and culturally rich city:

• Buy Art – Builds income and visibility for local artists, and fuels the creative economy
• Learn Art – Develops talent and keeps skilled creatives in West Michigan
• See Art – Activates public spaces and positions Grand Rapids as a thriving cultural destination 

Through these programs, we’re helping artists grow, thrive, and stay—and we’re ensuring that the entire region benefits from their contributions.

Why It Matters

• Art school enrollment in Grand Rapids has dropped more than 60% since 2010
• The local nonprofit arts sector contributes nearly $300 million annually to the regional economy—but most visual artists still struggle to make a living
• Several local anchor arts organizations have closed, leaving a gap in leadership and community connection

GRAB is an opportunity to bolster a creative, connected, and resilient city. Your support makes this possible.

Join Us

When you support the Grand Rapids Artists Bureau, you become part of something bigger: A movement to make creativity central to life in Grand Rapids. You’re helping to build a city where artists can stay and thrive, where culture is visible and valued, and where every neighborhood is alive with imagination. 

If you’re interested in supporting GRAB through in-kind gifts, estate planning, or another way not listed here, please contact us—we’d love to explore meaningful ways to partner with you.