City of Detroit issues open call for artist to create new statue of Joe Louis focusing on his life “outside the ring”

2024
  • New statue will highlight Joe Louis’ life as a golfer who paved the way for Black Americans on the course.
  • The statue will be located along Joe Louis Greenway.
  • The deadline for statue commission applications is November 11, 2024.
  • Statue set to be unveiled in August 2025.

 

The City’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship (Detroit ACE) are issuing an open call for a sculptor to create a new statue of icon Joe Louis focused on the boxer’s life outside the ring.

The statue, which will anchor a business plaza on the city’s west side, will be another feature on the 30-mile Joe Louis Greenway, the biking, walking, culture and history trail that extends from the Detroit Riverfront to Highland Park, Dearborn, and Hamtramck.

Louis is widely considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, a man who broke racial barriers, a national hero.

But Louis also broke racial barriers in golf.

Louis began playing golf in 1935 and became a major supporter of the United Golf Association (UGA), the African American organization that conducted tournaments nationwide. And as an amateur golfer, he was the first African American to play in a PGA-sanctioned event.

In Detroit, we celebrate the contributions Detroiters have made to the city and to the world, and Joe Louis is one of our greatest examples,” said Mayor Mike Duggan.  “It’s only fitting that a statue reflecting his accomplishments outside of boxing grace the magnificent greenway being built in his honor.”

The new Joe Louis statue is among many Detroit ACE is undertaking to increase the number of public art pieces that highlight Detroit’s rich African American history. The plan continues efforts to improve the look of neighborhoods across the city as part of Mayor Mike Duggan’s Blight to Beauty initiative. ACE also is transforming nine residential and commercial alleys into beautiful gathering spaces for Detroit residents.

Detroit ACE has pledged $60,000 from the Public Art Fund and $50,000 committed by Joe Louis Greenway from a Michigan Economic Development Corporation grant.  

“We're thrilled to share our father's inspiring legacy beyond the boxing ring,” said his daughter, Joyce Barrow Henderson. “His unwavering belief in humanity and community spirit made him a trailblazer in sports, business, and culture, while empowering others to break barriers. We hope our father's life story will inspire future generations to foster connection and hope, transcending racial, economic, gender, and religious boundaries.”

Her brother, John Louis Barrow, agreed.

“We are so excited to share our father’s life and legacy outside the ring,” he said. “His belief in humanity and love of community allowed him to become a trailblazer in other sports, business and culture and also allowed him to help support others to break barriers. We hope that his life and legacy can inspire generations to come together and create connection and hope regardless of race, economic background, gender or religion.”

OPEN CALL

Artists interested in applying for the statue commission should send a packet to [email protected] with the following required information:

  • Name, address and phone number
  • Community engagement experience
  • Examples of past work, whether it still exists or not, and where past work is /was located.
  • Two references from previous sculpture clients
  • An artist statement explaining why he, she or they should be chosen for the commission. The Artist Statement should list all needed materials, including which foundry will be used, a resume and answers to the following questions:
  • What interests you about the project?
  • What is your experience working on complex projects and meeting deadline constraints?
  • How would your project benefit the community?

For this commission, the City and Greenway have chosen what the statue should look like and will provide that information to applicants.

A selection committee comprising community members, artists, members of the Louis family and business owners will choose the artist. The statue will be unveiled in August 2025.

PROJECT SCHEDULE

October 31, 2024           Open call

November 6, 2024         Selection panel seated

November 15, 2024      Applications due from artists

November 21, 2024     Community meeting to meet finalists November 25, 2024. Artist announced

March 28, 2025              Statue to foundry

July 28, 2025                   Statue completed

August 12, 2025              Statue unveiled on anniversary of first Joe Louis Open Tournament in Detroit.

COMMISSION

The commission for the Joe Louis statue is $100,000 ($50,000 from JLG budget and $50,000 from the Public Art Fund). The commission covers all fees, artist, artist assistant costs, artist studio costs, foundry costs, materials and supplies and installation. The artist will receive 50 percent of the commission in advance; 25 percent when the sculpture goes to the foundry; and 25 percent upon completion.

All questions should be directed to Rochelle Riley at [email protected] or Candace Calloway at [email protected].

JOE LOUIS’ GOLF BACKGROUND

After Joe Louis’ successful boxing career, he began playing in local and regional tournaments and was particularly drawn to Detroit’s Rackham golf course.

He soon launched “The Joe Louis Open Golf Tournament,” which would become one of the major annual events in Black sports nationally Between 1941 and 1951, eight “Joe Louis Open” golf tournaments were held in Detroit and attracted top black golfers from around the country, while providing greater exposure for them and the sport of golf throughout Black America. 

Louis put up the $1,000 prize money. The first Joe Louis tournament was held at Detroit’s Rackham golf course in 1941 on August 12, 13 and 14, the weekend before the annual UGA national championship

DETROIT ACE

The Office of Arts, Culture and Entrepreneurship oversees the City of Detroit’s investment in the fine and performing arts, culture and history with a special focus on artistic entrepreneurship and support for the city’s creative workforce. Follow ACE on Twitter,  Instagram  and Facebook.

THE JOE LOUIS GREENWAY

Joe Louis Greenway (JLG) is a 30-mile regional greenway connecting 23 Detroit neighborhoods to three cities: Dearborn, Hamtramck, Highland Park.