Projects

DEC Courting for the ArtsGames to Make Detroit home

The ArtsGames is an analogue of the Olympics– same structure supporting global competitions, but for the arts instead of sports. The ArtsGames brings its host cities this global initiative, which features the quality and the excitement of nation versus-nation-competitions. It is a sustainable global platform upon which all cultures can demonstrate excellence.
 

Percent for Public Art Gaining Momentum
Council Member Constenada-Lopez is leading the charge to develop a Public Art Ordinace that will help fund public art projcets, maintain existing works, and restore some items to public domain. The ordinace will also offer educational opportunities for young aspiring artists to collaborate with local and internationally renowned established artists.  Fashioned after similar 'percent for art' programs, the City of Detroit is working to steer new developers to invest in the City's asthetic infrastucture and the creative culture that sparked its recent renaissance. Stay tuned.
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Commission Developing Template for Evaluating City Events and Event Based Services
The Detroit Entertainment Commission submitted a template for evauating events and the services the City of Detroit renders to support events to Detroit City Council. It is a step to further demonstrate that Detroit is serious about customer service and committed to eliminating red tape. "Council Member Mary Sheffield is leading the team that is in the process of reviewing the steps necessay to host special events in the City of Detroit," said detroit Entertainment Commission Chairman, Herman Jenkins, "It was the Commission's strong recommendation to streamlined the process, integrate more online options, and make it more efficient for event producers. But at the same time,  we also want to make certain that the City's due dilligence is accounted for."
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The event evaluation template is a bonus tool that Detroit Entertainment Commisison plans to use to gage the City of Detroit's  level of performance in service deliver to residents and visitors with respect to public safety, accesibility, permits, for special events hosted in the City of Detroit. The Commission will also measure the fun factor. "We want to develop a tool that packs a punch and can help us deliver world class events, and improve the Detroit experience for everyone." To view the Evaluation Form, please click here.
 
Joe Louis Mural Featured on TV show "Mobsteel"

Just north on Gratiot from the Dequindre Cut (Gratiot Ave. & St. Aubin) is a mural of a Detroit Legend, Joe Louis. The mural was completed in summer 2014 as part of the Detroit Design Festival. The  Detroit Entertainment Commission worked with the Gratiot Avenue Business Association to commission artists for the art park and develop a plan to maintain the vacant lot that was often overgrown and littered with trash. The Joe Louis Mural was sprayed by Detroit street artist, Sintex. It is now surroundeded at its start point by murals all throughout Eastern Market and The Heidelberg Project. The murals that now litter Eastern Market and feature works from artist from around the world including Detroiters Sydney James and Kobie Solomon.  Sintex's work was recently featured in the opening and promotional ads for the NBC Sports television show "Mobsteel."

Royce the 5'9 earns Spirit of Entertainment Award at DMA's

“The biggest name on this year’s performance slate is Royce da 5’9″, backed by his band VMDP. The longtime Detroit rapper, an Eminem-affiliated artist known for his work with Slaughterhouse and Bad Meets Evil, will also be honored during the show with the Detroit City Council’s Spirit of Entertainment Award.” (Detroit Free Press)

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Detroit Mural Project

The Detroit Entertainment Commissioners are strong advocates of the power public art possesses to transform community aesthetics, spawn community development, and inspire creative place making, so we are delighted to share the work from Detroit Mural Project. An online catalog that pinpoints more than 1,000 Detroit murals- “One day, I was really feeling it,” said Detroiter Viranel Clerard, grinning. “I went out and shot 300 murals in one day.” The online catalog is searchable by Artist, Year, and District. This site is a must visit: https://detroitmurals.com/murals/