Break it Down | Make it Better

Watch this space as we firm up dates for 2027.

March 20-21, Bamboo Grand Rapids

2 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Break It Down | Make It Better is West Michigan’s longest-running professional development conference for artists, creatives, and arts administrators. Each year, creatives come together to build skills, form connections, and find inspiration in one another’s journeys. In 2026 we held our most ambitious conference ever, expanding to a two-day format, returning to the event’s original location, 2 Fulton West (then UICA, now Bamboo), and reaching record numbers of attendance with guests coming in from as far as Traverse City, Lansing, and Kalamazoo.

The theme of 2026, The Action of Art, explored how artists turn ideas into action through practice, collaboration, experimentation, and community-building. With over 30 speakers, this 2-day event inspired attendees through panels, workshops, and round table discussions. Lunch was provided both days with a complimentary happy hour at AllArtWorks on Saturday. Hosted by ArtPrize, Avenue for the Arts, & AllArtWorks.

Presented by Bamboo Grand Rapids

Schedule of Events

Day 1: Friday, March 20

10:30am – Registration

11:15am – Opening Remarks + Keynote

12:15pm – Session #1

1:00pm – Lunch

2:00pm – Session #2

3:00pm – Session #3

3:45pm – Wrap Up

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Day 2: Saturday, March 21

10:30am – Registration

11:15am – Opening Remarks + Keynote Panel

12:15pm – Session #4

1:00pm – Lunch

2:00pm – Session #5

3:00pm – Happy Hour at AllArtWorks and live printing with Jamie John

Break It Down | Make It Better 2025, Photo by Veronica Anderson