This year, we proudly celebrate 25 years as a cornerstone of downtown Big Rapids! Although this is a significant milestone, our legacy of community impact stretches even further. Originating from the merger of The Mecosta County Council for the Arts and The Humanities Council of West Central Michigan, Artworks has been a powerful creative force serving the greater Big Rapids region for decades.

We estimate that approximately 4,500 people are directly impacted by Artworks programming. Be it our captivating exhibitions, hands-on classes and workshops, enriching children’s education, insightful speakers, or even our fabulous gift shop, we’re confident that you have found that creative spark at Artworks. We are incredibly proud that through supporters like you we are able to ensure that an economically disadvantaged and rural community has access to creativity and culture as pathways to experience and explore their humanity.

With a mission like “vitalizing our community through the arts and humanities” we don’t spend much time basking in our past glory. Our mission compels us to serve our community through innovative programs, attracting creative people to share their wisdom and creations, and creating a place for our community to gather and create. 

This forward-looking approach is captured in our vision “to be a leading resource and creative force for the arts and humanities.” Our mission and vision are ambitious, and gala sponsors directly contribute to our execution of them. We strongly believe that the arts and humanities help transform the places we live into vibrant communities.

Gala sponsorship dollars enable us to execute compelling and innovative programs, maintain and upgrade our creative spaces, and bolster enriching educational and workshop experiences.

Our gala is a meeting place for the diverse group of people that find community in Artworks. There is something for everyone in the arts and humanities, so we’re not surprised our constituency represents a cross-section of the greater Big Rapids area.

As a sponsor of our gala, you’re contributing to our role as a community crossroad. And Gala is a great place to experience that crossroads first hand. Looking to connect with different networks? Gala is a wonderful opportunity to expand your network and influence.

You can secure your sponsorship either online or by visiting us in our Painted Turtle Gift Shop in Big Rapids. Information about each sponsorship level can be found by clicking on corresponding images below. It will take you to a page where you can learn about that sponsorship level and have the opportunity to purchase it directly through our website. 

We look forward to your sponsorship and working with you to magnify the impact that Artworks makes on our community.