Details:
- 2025 Grant Recipient Spotlight
- Organization: da Vinci Days Inc.
- Priority Area: Arts and Culture
- Funding Awarded: $10,000
The da Vinci Days’ Graand Kinetic Challenge (GKC) is a free, all-ages, community-powered celebration of art, engineering, and playful creativity held annually in Corvallis. Founded in 1993 as part of da Vinci Days, the event has grown into a beloved local tradition that invites teams to design, build, and race human-powered kinetic sculptures through streets, parks, mud, and the Willamette River. Our mission is to spark joy, curiosity, and connection by bringing the community together through celebrating Art + Science with hands-on creativity, collaboration, and spectacle.
In 2025, support from the Benton Community Foundation played a vital role in ensuring the Graand Kinetic Challenge remained accessible, safe, and welcoming for participants, volunteers, and spectators. The event directly served approximately 60 kinetic racers and pit crew members, engaged 75+ volunteers, and welcomed an estimated 2,000–3,000 spectators across the race weekend in Crystal Lake Park, Riverfront Park, downtown Corvallis, the OSU campus, and on the river. One-third of race teams were based in Benton County, and spectator surveys show that approximately 62% of attendees came from Corvallis or elsewhere in Benton County, underscoring the event’s strong local roots and community ownership.
One volunteer shared:
“The Graand Kinetic Challenge is the most joyful volunteer experience I have all year. It feels good knowing that something this creative and community-driven can happen right here in Benton County.”
A race team member reflected:
“This race reminds us that engineering, art, and silliness belong together. The support behind the scenes makes it possible for us to just show up, build something wild, and feel celebrated.”
We are deeply grateful to the Benton Community Foundation for its flexibility, trust, and investment in community-driven creativity. Your support helped strengthen local partnerships, circulate resources within Benton County, and ensure that the Graand Kinetic Challenge continues to inspire imagination, collaboration, and delight for people of all ages throughout our community.