Driving Creative Community Development
At Lions & Rabbits, we foster creative community growth through innovative strategies, transformative placemaking, and impactful workforce development.
OUR VISION
Thriving communities where creativity drives equitable socio-economic development.
OPPORTUNITIES
Artist Request for Qualification
Submit to our RFQ (request for qualification) application to create a profile and portfolio with us. Once creating this portfolio, you will be notified when projects launch that may fit your skills and experience!
Storm Drain Murals - Rolling Call
Paint a sidewalk square to raise awareness about water conservation. Artists also receive education and professional development.
OUR PROGRAMS
Community Development Strategies
We recognize that the key to community and economic development hinges not just on artistic expression but strategic planning, active involvement, and tailored solutions that resonate with each unique community.
Our streamlined procedures ensure efficiency and effectiveness, enabling communities to swiftly turn ideas into action. Our comprehensive toolkits for plug-and-play arts initiatives facilitate easy adoption and customization in diverse settings.
Public Placemaking
Our public spaces often hold a silent promise. While resting dormant as underutilized assets, these areas await an awakening to transform them from mere open spaces into life-filled centers of community engagement.
Recognizing this untapped potential, LRCFA strategically activates these areas to align with municipal master plans, infusing life, meaning, and purpose into our neighborhood landscapes. We bring a spectrum of creative solutions tailored to different needs and timescales.
FEATURED PROGRAMS
Rad Women A - Z Initiative
In 2019, Lions & Rabbits worked closely with Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. (DGRI) to launch the Rad Women A-Z Initiative. 27 female-identifying artists painted portraits of influential women on mechanical boxes located throughout Downtown Grand Rapids.
Storm Drain Mural Program
Our Storm Drain Mural Program mobilizes artists’ unique ability to capture and direct people’s attention. We commission artists to paint thought-provoking sidewalk murals next to storm drains, to beautify the area, spark conversations, and encourage environmental stewardship through LGROW’s Adopt-A-Drain Program.
Workforce Development
One of the most difficult challenges for creative professionals is finding gigs and consistent income. When artists work with us on one of our projects, we provide them with educational resources and training to equip them to continue taking on bigger and better projects.
Women’s Way Initiative
In partnership with DGRI, the Greater GR Women's History Council, the City of Grand Rapids, local artists, and numerous community members, Lions & Rabbits initiated a series of murals that commemorate historically influential Grand Rapids women and rename alleys after their legacy.
After Dark Events
Come together with your community to enjoy live music and performances, drink and eat from your favorite food trucks, and shop the local artist pop-up booths! These markets activate public spaces with entertainment and creative experiences while also expanding community engagement, increasing tourism, and connecting artists to career opportunities.
Intergenerational Programs
In 2022 Lions & Rabbits curated a handful of public art initiatives designed to emphasize the importance of intergenerational relationships and how they can be used as a tool for growth in our communities.
Grand Rapids Barricades
In 2020, when COVID protocols were in full effect, the City of Grand Rapids created Outdoor Social Zones as a way for restaurants to safely expand their seating areas. Concrete barricades were put in place to protect these zones from traffic. Artists painted these barricades to make the zones attractive and welcoming.
ArtPrize
Many of the artists who work with us also participate in Grand Rapids’ biggest art festival. Lions & Rabbits has participated in and supported ArtPrize in a number of ways over the years: as a gallery space, as a public art partner, and as a facilitator of many ArtPrize programs.
THANKS TO OUR ‘23 SPONSORS
