Grand Rapids Art Museum – Community Event Space & Architectural Extension
The museum was founded in 1910, under the name “Grand Rapids Art Gallery.” In 2004, the LEED-certified building was constructed on Monroe Center St. adjacent to the newly constructed Rosa Parks Circle.
The director and CEO of the museum, Cindy Foley, presented our group with quantitative data. This data indicated that in the post-pandemic climate, the museum has seen decreasing engagement in the local community. Our team was tasked with identifying a solution.
Upon receiving our task, we conducted additional research in the form of a qualitative survey distributed to the community. The solution we found was to create an outdoor third-place downtown that welcomes all members of the community to gather for events and to relax in the shade beneath the GRAM canopy.
The museum was founded in 1910, under the name “Grand Rapids Art Gallery.” In 2004, the LEED-certified building was constructed on Monroe Center St. adjacent to the newly constructed Rosa Parks Circle.
The director and CEO of the museum, Cindy Foley, presented our group with quantitative data. This data indicated that in the post-pandemic climate, the museum has seen decreasing engagement in the local community. Our team was tasked with identifying a solution.
Upon receiving our task, we conducted additional research in the form of a qualitative survey distributed to the community. The solution we found was to create an outdoor third-place downtown that welcomes all members of the community to gather for events and to relax in the shade beneath the GRAM canopy.
To introduce the space to the community, we conceptualized a grand opening event called Unfurling Day that would be hosted at the beginning of the summer. We then envisioned three additional events to be hosted throughout the warmer months: an urban market, a series of concerts, and a family-friendly event. These events would encourage a variety of members of the community to engage with the new space and the GRAM more broadly.
In conclusion, the new outdoor event space at the Grand Rapids Art Museum provides a solution to increase community engagement post-pandemic. The space beneath the GRAM canopy offers a welcoming environment for all. Planned events will encourage diverse participation, strengthening the museum’s connection with the local community.
In conclusion, the new outdoor event space at the Grand Rapids Art Museum provides a solution to increase community engagement post-pandemic. The space beneath the GRAM canopy offers a welcoming environment for all. Planned events will encourage diverse participation, strengthening the museum’s connection with the local community.
Group members; Luke Maksymetz & Ashley Bila
