GRAM Joins the Symphony Scorecard

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, SEPT. 6, 2017 — The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) announced its collaboration with the Grand Rapids Symphony to offer free admission to GRAM through the Symphony Scorecard today. The program is effective starting September 15, 2017.

Created by the Grand Rapids Symphony two years ago, the Symphony Scorecard provides free concert tickets to members of the community who receive financial assistance from the State of Michigan or who currently are serving in the U.S. Military on active duty, in the Reserves, or with the National Guard. Scorecard members are eligible to receive up to four free tickets, per concert, for most Grand Rapids Symphony concerts.

The Scorecard now includes the visual arts, and cardholders will receive unlimited visits to the Grand Rapids Art Museum throughout the year, and can bring up to three guests during each visit.

​“The Grand Rapids Art Museum is honored to announce its collaboration with the Grand Rapids Symphony and participate in the Symphony Scorecard,” commented GRAM Director and CEO Dana Friis-Hansen. ​“The Museum is committed to expanding inclusive and accessible opportunities for visitors year-round, and this partnership offers unprecedented access to the visual and performing arts in West Michigan.”

The Museum’s 2017 – 18 exhibition calendar offers a dynamic lineup of art experiences for scorecard holders to enjoy: ArtPrize Nine at GRAM, Andy Warhol’s American Icons, Christian Marclay: Video Quartet, and Alexis Rockman: The Great Lakes Cycle.

Scorecard members are additionally invited to participate in a wide array of the Museum’s programming and events, including Drop-in Studio, Artist and Curator lectures, Drop-in Tours, Yoga at GRAM, Baby & Me Tours, and the Sunday Classical Concert Series.

Thanks to support from the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, Symphony Scorecard was launched with an initial goal of distributing 400 concert tickets in its first season.

The response, however, was so overwhelming, by the end of the season, more than 2,000 tickets were handed out to residents of Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. Since Symphony Scorecard’s debut in September 2015, more than 5,000 people — enough to fill DeVos Performance Hall twice — have experienced the Grand Rapids Symphony for free.

​“Grand Rapids Symphony’s Symphony Scorecard gives participants an opportunity to lift their spirts through music while sharing the live experience with others,” said Grand Rapids Symphony President Peter Perez.

Symphony Scorecard offers an opportunity for families in financial crisis or other difficulty to enjoy experiences in the arts. U.S. Military on active duty or serving in the Reserves or in the National Guard are eligible as well.

Symphony Scorecards are available from case workers with the Department for Health and Human Services and other organizations that serve people in need, as well as military support centers. For a complete list of current participating partners, program information and concert availability, go to the Symphony Scorecard page on the Grand Rapids Symphony’s website.

About the Grand Rapids Symphony
Organized in 1930, the Grand Rapids Symphony is nationally recognized for the quality of its concerts and educational programs. Led by Music Director Marcelo Lehninger, Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt and Associate Conductor John Varineau, nine concert series are presented, featuring a wide range of music and performance styles. More than 400 performances are given each year, touching the lives of some 200,000, nearly half of whom are students, senior citizens and people with disabilities all reached through extensive education and community service programs. Affiliated organizations include the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus; Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra; and Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses. GRS provides the orchestra for performances by Opera Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Ballet and sponsors the biennial Grand Rapids Bach Festival, which was held in March 2017 and returns in 2019.

About the Grand Rapids Art Museum
Connecting people through art, creativity, and design. Established in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the Art Museum is internationally known for its distinguished design and LEED® Gold certified status. Established in 1910 as the Grand Rapids Art Association, GRAM has grown to include more than 5,000 works of art, including American and European 19^th and 20^th century painting and sculpture and more than 3,000 works on paper. Embracing the city’s legacy as a leading center of design and manufacturing, GRAM has a growing collection in the area of design and modern craft.

For GRAM’s hours and admission fees, visit artmuseumgr.org or call 616 – 831-1000.