2006 Promising Projects — Nurturing Community Arts

Capital and programmatic funding was provided to the Grand Rapids Ballet for two projects. The first -- a touring dance (sprung) floor -- will allow the Ballet to perform in more venues. In addition to providing an opportunity to perform in venues previously contractually off limits (such as the Meijer Gardens and Meadowbrook outdoor amphitheatres), the floor will also be used for longer run productions such as The Nutcracker at DeVos Hall as well as at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center and any other venue to which the Ballet travels. This new flooring provides not only a safer environment for dancers but also has the potential to impact artistic quality as dancers are more confident in their leaps and landings. Ballet staff also indicates the purchase will expand the repertoire opportunities and choreography options.

In addition, the Ballet is planning a run out to Boyne City in Emmet County in 2007 (during which they will take advantage of the new flooring). This would be the second year for a tour to Boyne City and for which they've again secured funding from the Chamber of Commerce. In addition to a production at a venue seating 600 patrons, the Ballet would host a lecture/demonstration for area schools (400 students) and a master class for up to 30 participants. The Ballet is confident that as momentum builds for their performances, additional members of the community will invest in repeat trips.

Increasing artistic quality and providing opportunities for new audiences are priorities that align well with the Foundation's arts grantmaking foci.

With a goal of bringing excellent music education to all children, especially those of disadvantaged populations in the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS), the north american choral company (nacc) received funding to replicate a Chicago-based model to provide arts education through music to the students of GRPS and the city's core neighborhoods. In addition to their main/downtown choirs they will launch both an in-school program for elementary and middle school students in GRPS and neighborhood-based after-school choirs in the City of Grand Rapids.

Providing access to the arts for all citizens, especially for children and those who are disadvantaged, is a priority for the Foundation's arts grantmaking. It is the Foundation's intent that the community recognize that engaging children in the arts assures academic success and is necessary for their long-term success. One indicator of this is demonstrated by an increasingly important role for the arts in the curricula of the K-12 schools.