Amidst the incredibly challenging year of 2020 when COVID protocols were in full motion, Grand Rapids created the solution of Outdoor Social Zones in Grand Rapids, a way for restaurants to safely expand their seating areas so the community could enjoy dining out. These concrete barricades covered Grand Rapids and it sparked a thought for us that all artists have: Can I turn this into a canvas?

So we did just that! The barricades not only became opportunities to create on, but they became opportunities to create for. Create for the community, for local businesses, for the beauty it adds to stagnant spaces.

In partnership with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI), Lions & Rabbits CFA hired 35 artists to transform 135 barricades across the city. We worked closely with artists to coordinate paint & supplies, safety concerns, contracts & more to ensure they receive proper compensation and support to execute their vision.

The painted barricades have now become meaningful & vibrant additions to the city that encourage conversation, creativity, and promote community.