Detroit’s creative economy just received a major boost with new investments designed to help artists thrive, get paid for their work and grow their careers. The new grants from Gilbert Family Foundation support a mix of arts events and programming focused on creating more platforms for local talent to reach residents, collectors, curators and audiences from around the world.
The announcement was made during Detroit Month of Design, a citywide festival now in its 15th year that celebrates Detroit’s designation as the only UNESCO City of Design in the U.S. This year’s festival includes more than 95 events and installations featuring the work of more than 1,000 designers.
“Month of Design is a powerful reminder of how deeply creativity runs through Detroit and the vital role artists play in fueling Detroit’s creative economy,” said Akua Hill, director of arts and culture at the Gilbert Family Foundation. “These grants are more than funding -- they’re about investing in the people who shape our city’s culture, helping them thrive, be recognized and, at the same time, make a living doing what they love.”
Expanding opportunities for artists
Among the programs that received support from Gilbert Family Foundation was the ArtClvb Detroit’s Warehouse Art & Design Fair. This three-day event spotlighted contemporary, affordable works by emerging and mid-career artists.
Gilbert Family Foundation’s funding helped to cover essential operating costs, including artist stipends and entry fee assistance to ensure diverse representation in the fair.
“At ArtClvb, our mission is to create opportunities for artists and designers to thrive and to bring collectors and art buyers to Detroit,” said Dorota Coy, co-founder of ArtClvb. “This partnership allows us to build a fairer, more inclusive art ecosystem that reflects the diversity and strength of Detroit’s cultural community.”
Another major recipient is the upcoming Season Fair, Detroit’s premier contemporary art fair. This year’s grant supported the inaugural edition of Detroit Presents, a curated exhibition platform that gives 10 Detroit artists direct exposure to international collectors, curators and galleries.
“Detroit Presents is about celebrating the depth, diversity and brilliance of Detroit’s artists on their home stage,” said Amani Olu, founder and curatorial director of Season Fair. “This platform puts local voices at the center of an international conversation, demonstrating that Detroit is not only a place of cultural heritage but also a hub of innovation and possibility.”
In addition to its investments in art fairs, Gilbert Family Foundation also returned as a major sponsor of Murals in the Market, Detroit’s internationally acclaimed public art festival. Established by 1XRUN, Murals in the Market celebrates its 10th year this fall and has long provided muralists with the opportunity to showcase their work on some of the largest canvasses in the city of Detroit.
Gilbert Family Foundation’s support for 1XRUN also includes ongoing funding of the Small Business Murals Project, a unique initiative that blends art and entrepreneurship. Through the Small Business Murals Project, artists connect with Detroit small business owners to collaborate on murals for their businesses. This provides muralists with the opportunity to get paid for their work and expand their profile while also helping neighborhood businesses stand out with one-of-a-kind art.
Arts as an economic driver
Through its support of Detroit Month of Design and other artist-focused investments, Gilbert Family Foundation aims to not only amplify and retain local talent but demonstrate the critical role that artists play in driving economic activity.
From activating underutilized spaces through creative placemaking to driving sales for artists and small businesses, Gilbert Family Foundation’s grants highlight the arts as a critical engine for Detroit’s continued economic growth.
“Detroit’s design story is constantly evolving, rooted in a deep legacy but driven by experimentation, collaboration and community,” said Kiana Wenzell, co-executive director of Design Core Detroit. “This year’s Month of Design reflects the city’s creative momentum from major institutions to neighborhood-led projects, showing how Detroit’s designers are shaping a future that’s more connected, inclusive and innovative.”
Gilbert Family Foundation’s arts and culture investments are one part of a $500 million, 10-year commitment -- shared with Rocket Community Fund -- to increase opportunity in Detroit neighborhoods.
Through scholarships, workforce development initiatives and capacity building opportunities for entrepreneurs, Gilbert Family Foundation is focused on building long-term pathways for Detroiters to build sustainable careers -- artists included.
Since announcing the investment in 2021, approximately $232 million has been deployed or committed to nonprofit partners through the end of 2024.