Call to Artist
We could not be more thrilled to be releasing these open calls and infusing more than a half a million dollars into the Detroit arts ecosystem this summer. We are confident that these community driven projects will not only have a massive positive impact on Detroit’s built environment but will also serve to strengthen the shared community fabric that weaves us all together. Please pay close attention to the COMMUNITY VISION STATEMENT in the artist packet. This section is developed by the community and is intended to inspire your proposals for the project(s) you choose to apply for, We hope you apply to them all, and we look forward to reviewing your submissions and thank you for participating!
InsideOut Literary Arts 30th Anniversary Poetry Mural
City Walls Detroit & SpaceLab Detroit are partnering with InsideOut Literary Arts, Detroit’s largest and oldest literary non-profit, to celebrate its 30th anniversary! To commemorate this milestone, we are inviting talented mural artists to participate in a special mural project. This project aims to amplify youth voices, uplift poetry, and create impactful public art that reflects the youthful spirit and resilience of our city. The mural should embody the themes of Hope, Resilience, and the Enduring Spirit of Detroit, viewed through the lens of Youth Expression.
This mural installation will happen on Detroit's iconic Avenue of Fashion, a historic hub for style, flavor, and creativity. Stretching from Seven Mile to Eight Mile, the Avenue of Fashion has experienced a remarkable resurgence, boasting small art galleries, eclectic boutiques, trendy restaurants, and vibrant cultural offerings.
Project Vision:
Celebrating Poetry & Youth Voice: Highlight the ability to express, inspire, and transform through the written and spoken word. The mural should incorporate the following lines of student poetry:
In the Detroit city,
The D has always been for dreams.
By InsideOut Student Poet Charisma
Hope for the Future: Celebrate the city's bright future and the potential for positive change.
Visual Impact: Colors should be vibrant and appealing to viewers of all ages, creating a visually engaging and inspiring public art experience.
Neighborhood Relevance: The artwork should feel relevant to neighbors and visitors of the historic Avenue of Fashion, whether in style or substance.
To learn more about this City Walls Community Partner, Visit InsideOut Literary Arts website.
Deadline February 21st, 2025