American sculptor Alexander Calder created what became the recognizable symbol of Grand Rapids. Located in front of city hall, "La Grande Vitesse" (meaning "the great swiftness") is a monumental, site-specific sculpture. Since it's installation in 1969, it has been the center of a well-attended art festival that occurs downtown every summer. The annual Festival of the Arts is credited with creating an appreciation for public art within the community and opening the way to Art Prize.