The Graffiti and Street Art Movement in Detroit

I have officially lived in Downtown Detroit for 72 days (and 6 hours) now and every day I’m still amazed by all of the beautiful architecture and art in the city. During my walk to and from work each day I discover a new creative gem to admire. Its impossible for me to ignore that over the past few years the Motor City has transformed into something of a mecca for street artists and graffitists from around the globe – flocking in to the city to take advantage of the abundant opportunities. And when it comes to art in Detroit, the collective creative impact of street art broadens residents’ sense of what is possible for the city, tells the city’s story to others around the world, and facilitates imaginative rethinking about what citizens have to contribute the place they call home.

Such vibrant street art developments protect, preserve, and give voice to communities being entirely overlooked by all other resources. In a city where civic bankruptcy and deindustrialization has frayed both the public and private sectors, artists and organizations have a remarkably large impact—they are literally transforming the landscape. Tens of thousands of vacant lots and blighted buildings in Detroit mark the daily lived experience of citizens: artistic intervention, whether it is a mural painted on an empty building or an organized program, interrupts the disheartening pattern.

Detroit’s history underscores the importance of engaging artists directly in the city’s revitalization rather than leaving them on the fringes as decoration. And in a city like Detroit where the civic fabric has been stretched to the point of tearing this kind of community engagement is essential to the success of its revitalization.

The history, culture and people of Detroit are unlike any other. I have never felt so welcomed and inspired in my life. It is a city of movement, innovation and unwavering human spirit. Instead of seeing challenges, Detroiters see endless opportunities – thousands of blank canvases. Detroiters and artists both local and across the world are inspired by this unique street art movement and are taking matters into their own hands to transform otherwise vacant buildings and walls into forums for community engagement, communication and public diaries. From Downtown Detroit, to the Dequindre Cut, down Gratiot to Eastern Market, to the Heidelberg Project, through Midtown, stretching out to the Brightmoor community and beyond – the urban decay of the Motor City is being transformed to showcase the city’s rugged beauty, grit, resilience and enduring vitality. I am so exited to further immerse myself in the city and work tirelessly beside the vibrant and dedicated community towards revitalizing the region. Detroit itself is an art gallery – and we’re eagerly waiting for you to explore.

Check out Pieces of Detroit to see more photos of the blossoming graffiti and street art community in Detroit and stay on the lookout for The Detroit Graffiti Book coming December 2014.  (Photos courtesy of Chris Frietag, Pieces of Detroit).