Performer kneels on a bare wood floor, surrounded by cables and cassette players

Who We Are

About

Address

** NEW LOCATION **

1944 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

About Us

The Division Avenue Arts Collective, or DAAC, is an all-ages music venue, art gallery and DIY project incubator started in 2003 by a rotating group of creatives in Grand Rapids, MI.

Fueled by volunteers, The DAAC strives to provide a safe & neutral space for artistic expression, available to everyone regardless of age or other circumstance. We believe that everyone has something to contribute, and we strive to create a community based on participatory culture through a DIT (do-it-together) approach. Additionally, we are deeply committed to remaining non-commercial, independent, and institutionally transparent.

Since 2014, we have been fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas so we might fundraise and apply for grant opportunities. We are a not-for-profit collective of artists, musicians, makers and creatives guided by a core committee of dedicated volunteers. Visit our volunteer page to join a committee or see our current volunteer opportunities.

Since 2018, we have moved from a "Board" model to a "Committees" model where core commitees lead key groups within the DAAC.

  • Lorenzo Aguayo, Jr.
  • Nate Bliton
  • Lorne May
  • Mika Reed
  • Mallory McKenzie 

We are a substance-free venue. No smoking or vaping inside the building. No consumption of alcohol or other intoxicating substances in the building or on the grounds. Only smoking outside in designated areas. Volunteers will ask anyone to leave if they bring substances into the space or partake of substances at an event.

Any oppressive behavior at the DAAC will not be tolerated. We define oppressive behavior as any conduct that demeans, marginalizes, rejects, threatens or harms anyone on the basis of ability, age, cultural background, education, ethnicity, gender, immigration status, language, nationality, physical appearance, race, religion, self-expression, sexual orientation, status as a parent, or other lived experience. If you see or hear anything, please talk to a volunteer.

Taking a cue from the former DIY cultural center MESS HALL (Chicago, IL), we have developed a ten point outline of what we as a collective believe in.

  1. We insist on neutral platforms for individual and cultural expression
  2. We value spaces run by the people who use them
  3. We encourage collaboration over competition
  4. We support the transition from a "do-it-yourself" (DIY) attitude to a "do-it-together" (DIT) community
  5. We strive to be inclusive and to interact with other groups and communities
  6. We believe everyone has something to contribute
  7. We believe that age should not limit participation in cultural production
  8. We are committed to remaining non-commercial, independent and institutionally transparent
  9. We strive to create a safe and accessible place that emphasizes mutual respect for all
  10. We believe that constructive criticism is a foundation of healthy communities

Address

** NEW LOCATION **

1944 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

We are located in the Four Star Theatre on the East side of Division Ave S 

Public Transit

The DAAC is on Rapid line # 90 with Burton Station (SB) stops.

The Four Star Theatre parking lot is located on the NorthEast side of the building and Load In is located in that lot at the Northeast corner of the building. 

  • Street Parking - OK to park according to posted signs.

     

Questions: info@thedaac.org