GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Having long since outgrown its current space, the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives says it will move into new digs by the end of the year.
The museum will soon move in to 41 Sheldon St. SE, about three blocks south of Fulton Street in the city’s Heartside neighborhood. GRAAMA says it is finalizing the contract to buy the building.
“This dream has been a long time coming—but it’s been worth the wait,” GRAAMA Executive Director George Bayard III said in a Sunday statement.
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The museum’s current space on Monroe Center between Ottawa and Ionia avenues downtown has about 2,100 square feet, including storage. In comparison, the new space has 30,000 square feet — 15 times as much space.
“41 Sheldon is a perfect fit for our growing needs. We’ll be able to expand our archive and exhibit spaces, add classrooms, create a library, and activate a fully equipped auditorium. This will allow us to host plays, lectures, film screenings, comedy shows, poetry slams, and a wide range of community-sponsored events. The sky is truly the limit,” Bayard’s statement said.
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The address previously housed a down-defunct film and media school, the ArtPrize Hub and part of the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (also now closed). Compass — the film school — said in a statement that the building includes a 160-seat theater, classrooms and event areas…