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2021 Festival + Plein Air
While 2021 still presents challenges for large community events, Festival of the Arts still plans to celebrate all things art . Announcing PLEIN AIR by Festival of the Arts.
Downtown Grand Rapids June 4-6
En plein air is French for “outdoors.”
Originally, it referred to painting landscapes outdoors, but Festival of the Arts is expanding that original concept to include musicians. PLEIN AIR will give the community a chance to see musicians playing and artists working to capture the urban landscape throughout downtown, all while maintaining a safe social distance in designated safe zones.
And you’ll be able to enjoy PLEIN AIR along with your favorite food and drinks purchased from local restaurants all weekend long.
Applications for artists, musicians, and the virtual Regional Arts exhibition will open in March. The Regional Arts Exhibition will be coordinated virtually this year and available to view at festivalgr.org with more than $10,000 to be awarded to outstanding local artists.
Festival’s iconic Calder performance stage and artisan village will be rescheduled for September 17-19, 2021, which is the first weekend of ArtPrize.
In 1969, Alexander Calder’s La Grande Vitesse was installed in front of City Hall in downtown Grand Rapids. The 43-foot-tall, vibrant red stabile, which became known as "The Calder", inspired a celebration - one that's grown to encompass most of downtown Grand Rapids.
Festival of the Arts is a FREE three-day community event that features several stages of performances, a juried Regional Arts Exhibition, and dozens of food booths run by non-profit organizations. Plus, creative activities for children and adults to enjoy making their own art as well as purchasing art from West Michigan artists. Every purchase at Festival from food to art to t-shirts and posters gives back to the West Michigan community.
