Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) is accepting applications for a new round of Activate Grants.

The Activate Grant program offers funding for public space activations that bring vibrancy to Downtown Grand Rapids and culturally enhance our community. Proposals can include artworks, events, murals and more. Proposed activations must be suitable for all audiences, accessible for all abilities and open to the public.

The program is open to any artistic medium or form of activation and proposals for underutilized, dormant spaces will be given preference.

Additional details about the program, suggested Downtown locations, eligibility criteria and more are available here (grant application materials).

In addition, DGRI is hosting a free learning opportunity featuring Jay Tettamanti, the award winning artist behind Chalk River Labs. Multiple works by Chalk River Labs have been hosted in previous World of Winter Festival. World of Winter 2025 features Apogee at Canal Park.

This artist talk and Q&A session will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Kendall College in the Woodbridge N. Ferris Building from 6:00 – 7:00 PM.

The event is free to attend, please register for free here to assist with event planning purposes.

Contact DGRI's Activation Manager, Katie Moore, with questions: kmoore@downtowngr.org

Summer 2025 Activate Grant Application - Application deadline is March 9, 2025, at 11:59pm EST