Media Information
For Immediate Release
Contact: Joann Reeves, 458-4069 or Eileen Schwarz-Duty, 942-1036
ARTS COUNCIL AND FESTIVAL FORM NEW ALLIANCE
Officers for the first Board of Directors of Festival, the annual Grand Rapids arts event, were recently announced. The new Festival Board of Directors is comprised of Festival volunteers and people from the community. The Board was selected by Festival Co-Chairs Chris Bivins and Bob Bird, based on informal surveys sent to past Festival leadership.
Board members include:
Eileen Schwarz-Duty, President (Festival 92 Co-Chair)
Fred Bivins, Vice President (Festival 86 Co-Chair)
Gary Walker, Secretary (Festival 94 Co-Chair)
Mike Julien, Treasurer (Longtime Festival supporter)
Mayor John Logie
Dave Bylenga (Longtime Festival supporter)
David Mix (Festival 81 Co-Chair)
Wendell Smith (Soul of the City)
Joann Reeves (Festival Publicity Co-Chair)
Organizers also announced that Festival is now officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by the Internal Revenue Service.
Earlier this year, Festival and the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids formed a new alliance, wherein Festival became an independent member of the Arts Council. Formation of the Board and attaining 501(c)(3) Bob Bird, Co-Chair of Festival 2003, said,
“Visitors to Festival 2003 will have the same wonderful experience of the arts in West Michigan that they’ve always had.” Schwarz-Duty added, “The Board will be actively involved in making Festival 2003 a success.”
Festival takes place June 6, 7 and 8 in downtown Grand Rapids. For more information, call 459-1300, or go online: www.festivalofthearts.org.