In the Urban Innovation Exchange series, Editor Matthew Russell highlights the people and projects transforming West Michigan through sustainable efforts. From education to city building to recycling, these are the leaders making change in our communities.
What's standing between creativity and economic growth? The Creative Chambers initiative is answering that question and will administer a total of $250,000 in grants over the next three years to various creative projects, including film, graphic design, and storytelling.
GRPS stakeholders gathered at schools in the four different quadrants of the district to sound off on their concerns, talk about what they're proud of, and even what they're angry about. And the district is listening to every word with the help of design thinking.
The healthcare industry experiences innovation at an astounding rate, but not all innovation is defined by the latest technology or the smallest tools. Interpersonal communication, and interprofessional practice, is the new face of healthcare innovation, and care professionals in West Michigan are helping this trend grow.
More than a dozen different audio recording studios in West Michigan help musicians, podcasters, broadcasters, show hosts, and others capture their sound on digital media, vinyl records, and sometimes even magnetic tape.
Millions of dollars are being thrown away every year, in the form of waste left at the local landfill. It's a revenue stream that some are managing to take advantage of, and Kent County is hoping others take notice.
Access to adequate nutrition, shelter and education are basic rights of those living in West Michigan, and access to physical fitness is no different. More so now than ever before, individuals of differing ability and resources are able to access opportunities for physical fitness.
Led by skilled and informed "Champions," Lean initiatives in Grand Rapids promote designs that foster process improvement through feedback, and empowering those working on a project with its reformation.
Alysha Lach White is boosting local creativity and creatives by expanding the Little Space Studio into a place where freelancers and others can get work done.
Skill is important in costume design, as is the need to master a variety of techniques. Drafting patterns, draping, cutting, dying, fibre knowledge, embroidery, weaving, felting, embellishment, millinery shills, leather work, cobbler, jewelry, and couture sewing are just a few of the essentials. It takes a lot of work to craft a quality costume, and West Michigan is home to a handful of creative makers who define that standard in different corners of the field.
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